|
|
Home | Submit Press Release | Advertise | Submit Website
(EMAILWIRE.COM, December 17, 2012 ) Copiague, NY -- A New Mexico state board has offered to pay part of the cost to furnish a new court building in Santa Fe, but it might not be enough to enable the facility to fully open in the first half of 2013.
State and Santa Fe County officials have been at odds over who should foot the bill for furniture and computer gear.
The $60 million district courthouse was built with county-issued bonds, but it will remain empty until it can be properly outfitted.
Gov. Susana Martinez used her veto to block $1.4 million earmarked to furnish the building, although on Dec. 5 she agreed, as part of a state Board of Finance, to pay $250,000 toward outfitting the courthouse. Martinez has insisted that the county pay for much of the bill.
Judicial officials say it is customary in New Mexico for the state to pay to furnish courthouses, and the district court falls under the state judiciary. Civil and criminal cases are handled by district courts.
Judicial officials feel they are being drawn into a turf war.
“We’re just getting caught in the crossfire,” said Chief Judge Raymond Ortiz, according to The Associated Press.
The money offered by the board would not be enough for court workers to get to work. In addition, the building would need $200,000 in computer gear and $400,000 for furniture, said Arthur Pepin, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Pepin and Ortiz should talk to the county about the money needed by the court, Gov. Martinez said.
The court could turn to the Legislature to fund the furnishings, but Ortiz said that in that case, the building would be empty until at least June. The LegislatureÂ’s 60-day session will being in January.
The county is responsible for keeping up the courthouse while it is empty, Pepin said.
Other New Mexico counties are following the controversy closely.
About Kozy Kingdom:
Kozy Kingdom (www.kozykingdom.com) is an online resource for indoor and outdoor rattan and wicker furniture. Visitors can check out dining sets, bar stools and furniture for sunrooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and offices. People also can learn about caring for rattan and wicker furniture as well as read testimonials at the website.
Kozy Kingdom
Customer Service
631 842 5260
info@kozykingdom.com 
Source: EmailWire.com
|
|
