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Bradford County officials ask state delegation to fund $2.7 million courthouse security and ADA upgrades
Summary
Clerk and a local judge told the Bradford County delegation the courthouse needs security, ADA and courtroom upgrades, and estimated the full project at $2.7 million; county leaders asked state lawmakers to consider funding the work as they set priorities for the 2025 session.
Clerk of the Court said the courthouse needs both security upgrades and Americans with Disabilities Act corrections and asked the Bradford County delegation for state help. “We have some serious security issues here, such that somebody can just walk in my office,” the clerk said, describing public access to sensitive CJIS screens and cash at clerk counters.
Judge Davis told the delegation the courtrooms ‘‘are largely unchanged from 1968 when the courthouse was built’’ and said the layout creates security and ADA problems for deputies, court staff and jurors. He said the county is not seeking a luxury rebuild but changes needed for safety and access.
County officials gave a total cost estimate: “Price tag is $2,700,000,” the clerk said, and said roughly half the project addresses spaces upstairs used by the judge and half addresses the clerk’s office downstairs. County Manager Scott Kornegay described the courthouse renovation as the one new project the county is asking the delegation to consider this year, while other requests are for finishing projects already under way.
The delegation did not make an immediate commitment; staff said they will take the request, check the paperwork and follow up. Senator Bradley and Representative Brennan told attendees that leadership and budget pressures in the 2025 session will prioritize finishing existing projects but that requests already underway can be competitive if counties show matching funds and readiness.
Officials invited the delegation to visit the courthouse to see the security and ADA issues firsthand and to discuss options and cost details with county staff. No formal motion or vote occurred during the meeting.
