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County court judges press for courtroom audio‑visual and acoustics upgrades to support access and remote testimony
Summary
Judges reported failing hearing-assist devices, poor acoustics and Zoom camera issues in County Court at Law No. 2 and asked the court to use existing capital funds and a new vendor to make AV improvements so jurors, witnesses and remote participants can hear and be heard.
Judge Johnson briefed the court on the need for improved courtroom technology and acoustics. She described hearing-assist devices and Zoom camera failures that impede remote testimony and audience access, and said money previously set aside (about $18,000) would be used with a new vendor to address those issues.
"We're gonna use the 18 with the new vendor to upgrade. So we're gonna get those hearing aid devices," Judge Johnson said, stressing that the upgrades are essential for people to hear testimony and for clerks to record accurate notes. Commissioners acknowledged prior work on acoustics and asked staff to coordinate with the vendor to ensure the upgrades address current limitations and historic-building constraints.
Judges said the county has limited ability to alter historic courtroom walls, so solutions may need to be modular and reversible. The court asked IT and purchasing to follow up on specific vendor recommendations and to incorporate the work into the FY2027 plan where feasible.
