City, state attorney's office fight over courthouse funds

Jacksonville's mayor and the state attorney were at odds Thursday over a bridge that would connect the new county courthouse to the prosecutor's office across the street.

The third story walkway had been in the plans for years. Recently the mayor's office said the bridge, estimated to cost more than $1.5 million, is just not in the budget.

State Attorney Angela Corey said the walkway is a matter of efficiency and safety for lawyers, law enforcement and evidence. Corey said she is upset she wasn't told about the cuts and had to find out through the media.

"No one from the city has contacted me directly about any changes to the project," Corey said. "That walkover is necessary and, then again, if it is necessary to cut the budget, they should consult with me and we will look for ways to save taxpayers money."

The project was supposed to be for a new walkway that would be used for the state attorney's office so they could walk from the old courthouse to the new one.

"I'm happy to discuss any issue with any person," Corey said. "Any anybody who thinks it's not necessary, I'm happy to bring them in and let them spend the day with my lawyers to see why it's necessary."

Mayor Alvin Brown said his staff had been in close communication with Corey's since the beginning.

"I was told that she was fully briefed," Brown said. "I think everybody was in communication."

Ronnie Belton, the city's chief financial officer, said he didn't consult with Corey, instead looking at areas where money could be saved.

Corey said she will fight the cut in funding.

"We need this walkover," Corey said. "I'm not sure who over at the city understands what the state attorney's office does every day and what law enforcement does every day and how intricately it is with the courts."

Channel 4 spoke with employees at the courthouse Wednesday night who also said they need the new $350 million building. The price tag has been a sore spot for taxpayers for years.

But Judge Eleni Derke said the old courthouse is falling apart.

"The quality of air in here is not good," Derke said. "Constantly see particles floating and coming down to our desk."

The bridge is just one of the many in $4 million worth of planned cuts in the project. Others include furniture and audio visual equipment.