Benton County Quorum Court Evaluates Expansion Plan for Additional Courtrooms and Juvenile Detention
In a proactive move, Benton County Quorum Court is weighing plans and cost estimates for enhancing the county’s criminal justice system, with a focus on adding courtrooms and expanding juvenile detention. Judge Barry Moehring revealed a proposal to construct two additional courtrooms at the county’s court facility on Melissa Drive, which houses juvenile court and the juvenile detention center. This endeavor aims to address the growing caseloads, with Benton County Circuit Judges each averaging 1,937 cases—the highest in the state.
The project includes expanding office space for both the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Probation Office, along with facilitating public space. The county’s seven circuit judges preside over various cases, and Moehring anticipates seeking an eighth judgeship in the 2025 Arkansas legislative session.
The Quorum Court approved a ,500 appropriation from the county’s capital projects fund to acquire a cost estimate for the proposed expansion. Moehring did not provide immediate cost estimates for the venture but assured that the cost would be included in the 2024 budget.
Additionally, the county considers adding at least 12 beds to the detention center, with funds from million in the capital fund. This proposal coincides with ongoing efforts to expand the Benton County Jail, which currently operates over capacity. The county’s justices of the peace also hope to use available bids to support the expansion plans.
Benton County officials aim to have a courtroom and office space ready by 2025 to accommodate the potential eighth judge, a move which echoes the need to be proactive instead of waiting for new judgeship approval. The county continues to seek funding for operating costs and further development as the expansion plans unfold.
