LHC approves funding for new municipal courthouse

LAKE HAVASU CITY – The Lake Havasu City Council has awarded a construction contract and approved other expenditures totaling a little more than $8-million for a new municipal courthouse. The city previously purchased a closed fitness facility that will be renovated under a near $6.2-million contract awarded to FCI Constructors.

The council also approved a $98,000 contract for construction administration services and $1.76-million more for furniture, fixtures and equipment during its October 25 meeting.

Various council members noted the project has had its share of challenges and disappointments along the way, but also expressed happiness that it is now fully dialed in.

“It is our job to give these people the tools they need to do their job,” said council member David Lane.

City Magistrate Mitch Kaulali thank the council for its support.

“I just appreciate the fact that you folks have been willing to do this, and to say we understand the cost, we understand the need,” Kaulali told council members. “We’re saying the need will be worth the cost.”

Council member Nancy Campbell noted some personal security concerns associated with second story location of the multi-purpose room that will also serve as chambers for city council meetings. She said one man’s attendance at a council meeting more than a year ago was alarming.

“I remember a masked man coming in and he was kind of spooky and I was looking around like `how are we going to get out of here; and I think everyone up here remembers that guy, the Freddy Krueger guy, and he was kind of scary,” Campbell said. “People are angry with their government for whatever reason.”

Council member Jeni Coke noted that the first-floor security clearance checkpoint should provide adequate safeguards.

The new court facility is expected to be ready for use in early 2024.

Dave Hawkins