Clark County Forms Project Development Board to Start New Judicial Center Process

Clark County Fiscal Court confirmed the formation of a project development board to begin work on a proposed new judicial center, and the court announced the board's first meeting will be Aug. 29 in the courthouse.

Court staff said the project development board is the governing body for planning and constructing the facility. The board will select an architectural firm, coordinate with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and the AOC's bond process, and explore site selection and footprints. County staff encouraged public attendance at the board's first meeting, calling it "educational and interesting for all of us."

The court named its chair and members in open comment: the judge executive will chair the board; membership includes the senior circuit judge, the senior district judge, the circuit court clerk (Tony Kirk was named and confirmed as a member), a citizen at large (Ed Berner), and a representative of the Kentucky Bar Association. Court staff said the project is likely to be a multi-year process (staff referenced a six-year timeframe as illustrative) with the architect and site work among the first steps.

Court members clarified the new judicial center would not replace or tear down the existing courthouse; the AOC prefers single-purpose judicial buildings, and once the new facility opens the county would retain the present courthouse and handle custodial/maintenance responsibilities and potential changes in rent or occupancy.

Why it matters: A new judicial center could change space allocations, county operations (maintenance and rent responsibilities), and long-term capital obligations. The court said funding has been pursued through the state and that AOC and legislative contacts have pledged support for the project.

Next steps: The project development board will meet Aug. 29 to begin architect selection and initial planning. The court encouraged public engagement at upcoming board meetings.