Council approves municipal court lease for downtown Goodwin Street site

The Prescott City Council on March 10 adopted ordinance No. 2026-1936 approving a lease for the city municipal court at a freestanding building in the Park Plaza shopping center on Goodwin Street.

Judge Patrick Gann, the city court judge, told the council the building offers parking, separate circulation and security advantages and that the city has the right of first refusal to purchase the property later. "We have 9,000 filings now," Gann said, adding that the lease will allow the court to expand from a single courtroom to space for two courtrooms and improved offices so cases can be processed more quickly. He described preliminary tenant-improvement estimates of roughly $150 per square foot and said facilities staff believe build-out could take three to four months, though the judge said six months would be the maximum.

A number of council members sought clarity on purchase guarantees and lease terms. Councilman Ruby asked whether a purchase price could be set now; legal staff said a purchase option was not part of the negotiated lease but that a right of first refusal is included in section 9.3 of the document. Public commenters urged more policy-level analysis; Bonnie McMinn said the packet lacked operational and financial details behind the recommendation and urged a study session before a final commitment.

Council members pressed the judge and staff on cost comparisons, space needs and contingency plans if the courthouse vacate date slips. Judge Gann said the county has expressed willingness to work with the city on timing and that the location reduces case delays by providing nearby parking and two courtrooms to reduce continuances.

The council voted 7–0 to adopt the ordinance authorizing the lease. The motion was recorded and approved by roll call.