Wasatch County has officially opened the first phase of its $23.4 million courthouse expansion project. Richard Breitenbeker, the project manager, noted that while the renovation has been complex, the heavy lifting is nearing completion. This facility, known as the Wasatch County Justice Center, houses the Fourth District Court, juvenile court, justice court, and the County Attorney’s Office. The courthouse, originally built in the 1990s, has long needed an upgrade, as state courts have advocated for improvements for several years. The county executed a revenue bond in 2024 to fund this project, which is expected to be completed by August 2026, with no planned property tax increases to finance the renovations. The courthouse renovation is complicated by its integration with the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office and jail, which required the facility to remain operational throughout the project. Breitenbeker mentioned that sharing courtrooms has been a significant challenge, particularly as the county’s population has grown. The renovation aims to provide separate courtrooms for the different courts, enhancing security and overall functionality. The upgrade will ensure that the facilities meet modern security standards and provide a more comfortable environment for all participants involved in court proceedings. Each courtroom is designed to reflect a certain level of decorum while accommodating the varying atmospheres required for different types of cases. The state’s design standards will guide the project to ensure that the courthouses meet the needs of the community as it grows. Enhancements in security features are also part of the upgrade, benefiting attorneys, judges, courtroom staff, and law enforcement personnel. Sheriff Jared Rigby has requested additional funding for bailiff positions to support the increased security needs as part of the public safety budget. Currently, two-thirds of the $23.4 million budget has been allocated to the first phase of construction, which includes the new state district courtroom and juvenile justice courtroom. The justice court will temporarily operate in newly constructed spaces while the remaining renovations are completed. The overall construction is on track to finish in the summer of 2026.