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Circuit Court seeks funding for security and operations as caseloads rise
Summary
Prince George’s County Circuit Court administrators told the HHSVS committee the court’s FY26 proposed budget is approximately $28.9 million and flagged continued security needs, rising caseloads and several judicial vacancies.
Prince George’s County Circuit Court officials told the county HHSVS committee their proposed FY26 budget is roughly $28.9 million and highlighted courthouse security and rising caseloads as top concerns.
Roger Benagos, the council budget analyst for the court, said the proposed FY26 budget represents an increase of about $1.43 million (5.0%) over FY25. He and the court’s administrative judge described a mix of general fund and grant funding and noted capital and technology needs tied to cameras, cell‑block surveillance and other courthouse security projects.
Administrative Judge Danica Varner Cotton told council members the Circuit Court is one of the county’s busiest public buildings, hosting thousands of visitors each month and serving as a civic access point for divorces, child support, landlord‑tenant and other civil matters. "Our court really has a vital place in our community," Judge Cotton said, describing the court as a "beacon" where residents seek legal relief.
Court staff told the committee the court’s caseload has increased in recent years: total filings rose from roughly 39,612 cases (FY22) to an estimated 51,120 in FY26 under current projections. Benagos and court staff said the court uses visiting and retired judges to cover workload but that three judicial seats remained vacant at the time of the presentation.
The court also reported staffing numbers and vacancies. Benagos noted the proposed FY26 budget includes 30 vacant positions of which 22 are full‑time funded positions; some full‑time positions remain unfunded. The court has also moved to complete several capital improvement and security projects, including installation of armed security barriers and additional cameras.
Judge Cotton said security remains a high priority and that courthouse security is funded by the court in coordination with the sheriff’s office and the court’s IT department. “We confiscate weapons daily,” she told the committee, asking members for continued help on capital needs tied to security.
County budget staff said the administration had worked closely with the court and that additional capital shortfalls were under review; the county budget office said it was exploring whether unspent capital funds this year could be reallocated.
Ending: Court leaders asked the committee to prioritize security and capital funding as the council finalizes county budget decisions; no formal vote was taken during the presentation.
