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Codington County approves audiovisual and electronic-recording upgrade for small courtroom
Summary
The Codington County Commission approved a roughly $30,000 quote to upgrade sound, video and install an FTR (For The Record) electronic recording system in the county's small courtroom; the state will reimburse $10,000.
The Codington County Commission on May 13 approved a quote to upgrade audiovisual equipment and install an FTR ("For The Record") electronic recording system in the county's small courtroom.
County commissioners heard from Judge Means and Judge Elsher, who said the small courtroom's sound and ITV (interactive video) equipment are outdated and no longer supported by the vendor. "Once it goes out, it's out," Judge Means said, noting the inability to connect reliably for statewide hearings and the lack of an electronic recording system in that courtroom.
The commissioners were told both larger courtrooms already have FTR systems and that remote payers and court operations increasingly rely on electronic recording as court reporters retire and openings for court reporters grow. "Our court reporters are aging, and they're retiring and leaving, and they're not just not being able to be replaced," Judge Means said. She said an FTR system allows courts to use electronic recordings and lower-cost transcription options.
Judge Means said the county obtained a bid from the company that upgraded the large courtroom; the bid for the small courtroom is "just over $30,000," and the state has agreed to reimburse $10,000. Judge Means told commissioners the judicial budget has funds to cover the remainder.
Commissioner Gable moved to approve the quote; Commissioner McElhaney seconded. After questions about timing and potential courtroom closure during installation, judges and staff said the installation would be brief. Commissioners called for the vote and the motion carried.
The judges said quick installation is important because the project will become more expensive if delayed, and that some magistrate schedules are constrained now because not all courtrooms have electronic recording.
Commission staff said they will arrange signatures on the approval documents and coordinate scheduling with AVI for installation.
The commission did not specify a firm completion date at the meeting; presenters said state scheduling of AVI projects may affect timing but estimated installation could take one to two days based on similar past upgrades.
