Council sends amended letter to county on proposed Hansen Courthouse demolition; seeks secure, long-term spaces for victim services and courts

Town Council on Sept. 15 approved an amended comment letter to the Teton County Board of County Commissioners regarding the county’s proposed demolition of the Clifford P. Hansen courthouse and construction of a new justice center. The council’s action asks the county to ensure short-term accommodations for victim services and municipal court during construction and to confirm long-term space for those services in the new justice center.

Town Manager Hunter Sinclair briefed the council that the county’s earlier sketch plan for a new justice center had assumed the existing courthouse would remain but that, more recently, the county proposed demolition. Sinclair recommended the council send a letter requesting county accommodations: temporary space for victim services in the county’s facilities during construction and municipal court temporarily in the town council chambers, with long-term accommodations in the new justice center. County general services director Mark Erwin told the council county staff believe they can accommodate victim services in the short term in the General Services Building basement with modest modifications, and that a secured, walled suite is planned in the new justice center.

Council members focused on operational and equity concerns. Several councilors emphasized the confidentiality and 24/7 nature of victim‑services work; a victim‑services representative said victims often need after‑hours access and confidential space. Chief of Police Michelle Robertson noted state court‑security guidance lists mandatory items such as magnetometers and other screening; that raised practical security questions about locating municipal court in the town council chambers for an extended period.

Councilor Beaman moved and Councilor Regan seconded a motion authorizing the mayor to send a comment letter to the county. Councilor Schechter proposed stronger language seeking a permanent home for “all four of our court systems and victim services” in the justice center; the council incorporated an edit replacing a staff phrase “find space to accommodate” with “accommodate” to make the request more assertive. The motion passed with Councilor Schechter and Councilor Spirie voting no; councilors asked that the mayor sign and staff deliver the letter promptly prior to the county commissioners’ meeting the following morning.

What’s next: Town staff will finalize the amended letter, the mayor will sign it and town staff will email it to county commissioners. County staff at the meeting indicated they believe short- and long-term accommodations are feasible, and county commissioners will consider demolition approval and next steps at their next meeting.