Board forms ad hoc to study relocating justice offices and Ukiah library near new courthouse

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved formation of an ad hoc committee to study relocating several justice‑related departments — including the district attorney and public defender — closer to the new Ukiah courthouse, and to evaluate options for the Ukiah Branch Library and the disposition of the existing State Street courthouse.

Supervisor Mulhern, who proposed the ad hoc and asked Supervisor Klein to join, said the committee will work with county staff, the courts and the city of Ukiah to seek community input and to look holistically at downtown changes tied to the new courthouse. Mulhern noted upcoming demolitions and redevelopment on Perkins Street and said the county should avoid spending money on roof repairs at the current library before deciding whether to relocate or upgrade the existing facility.

Public commenters emphasized the value of a downtown library. James Connorton, a longtime Ukiah resident, urged “community input” and warned against losing the ability to walk downtown to a local library. Michelle Savoy, chair of the Ukiah Library Advisory Board, said a feasibility study done five years earlier showed the current library is too small and encouraged early engagement with the friends of the library and other stakeholders.

The board voted unanimously to form the ad hoc committee and asked staff to return with options and timelines for community engagement and facility assessments. The motion also included participation from the courts and city representatives when appropriate.

Next steps: the ad hoc will convene with staff and affected partners and report options and recommendations back to the full board for any funding or policy actions.