Commissioners lean toward replacing Judicial Center; referendum expected in 2026

Officials discussed three paths for the Judicial Center: a partial remodel (about $18 million), a full remodel (about $32–33 million) or a rebuild (about $35 million) on the existing footprint. Commissioners and council members were split but the record shows a clear lean toward a new build: Tony Toran and Danny Short explicitly favored rebuilding, Jason Sharp supported a new build, and Chair Al Knable said he favored constructing a new building on the same location.

Some members urged caution: Commissioner Jim Freiberger said he preferred the minimum-cost option unless voters decide differently, and Councilmember Denise Konkle said she would not vote for a new building without a referendum. Knable said that with consensus leaning to rebuild, the matter will need to go to a referendum in 2026. No binding action or funding authorization took place at the meeting; members asked staff to continue planning and to prepare materials for public consideration if a referendum is pursued.