Pinal County breaks ground for temporary court house

A host of Pinal County and local officials showed up to “toss some dirt” this morning at the future site of the new temporary home of Pinal County Justice of the Peace Court, District 8, just east of City Hall.

Pinal County Board of Supervisors Chair David Snider emceed the event which included remarks from Judge Scott Sulley, who will preside in the courtroom in the new building, along with Mayor Kelly Anderson and the district’s recently retired constable, Ralph Riley.

“We’re happy that he’s getting his stuff,” Paul Jepson, a management assistant with the city who handles audio and technical services for public meetings and events said of Sulley’s impending move from cramped quarters to a building with elbow room. “It’s duly needed.”

The new building, which will technically be considered a temporary facility, is slated to open for service July 1. It will replace another temporary facility which has been in service for more than 20 years with additional square footage and upgraded working conditions.

Snider emphasized the impact the improved facilities will have on those who take advantage of the services the court provides for misdemeanor and small claims cases and civil suits for under $10,000. No longer will patrons have to go outdoors to use a restroom; no longer will plaintiffs and defendants have to sit in the same cramped quarters, he said.

Sulley took a few moments to recognize those who attended from areas outside of Maricopa who will also benefit from the building designed to serve western Pinal County residents including Maricopa and Stanfield.

“This court is also your court,” he said. “It’s the Maricopa-Stanfield Justice Court. Please let everyone know this is your court, too.”

Anderson also noted the event’s significance to those who are not necessarily his constituents.

“It really is a monumental day for Pinal County, for all across Pinal County, today,” the mayor said referring to Gov. Janet Napolitano’s State of the State address scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today in Casa Grande and the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce awards banquet planned from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and Resort. “This is a really a great way to kick off this morning, to kick off the day.”

Photos by RuthAnn Hogue
Submitted artist’s rendering courtesy of the city of Maricopa