Study on Courts Gives a Boost to Vista : Cites Savings in Adding Facilities There Rather Than Escondido

A recently released report indicates it would be cheaper and more efficient to operate an expanded North County court system in Vista, rather than in neighboring Escondido.

The two cities have been locked in a bitter battle to become home to a new courthouse to serve the fast growing region.

The consultant’s report said the county would save between $1.2 and $1.4 million in operating costs if an expanded shared-courtroom project is added to the existing courthouses in Vista, rather than using an additional facility in Escondido.

Steven Brennen, special assistant to the county’s chief administrative officer, pointed out the report had not been commissioned to chose the site for the expanded court but simply to determine the feasibility of the shared courtroom concept along with potential savings.

The report, commissioned by the county and released Monday by Omni-Group Inc., a Santa Monica-based planning firm, and management consultant Ernest Friesen, also said that using a “shared courtroom” concept at Vista would require fewer employees and allow for efficient personnel management.

Decision Due in January

Escondido officials have offered numerous proposals in an attempt to persuade the County Board of Supervisors to approve a court expansion project in their city.

Brennen said the report showed “a clear advantage for doing business where it’s currently being done, but at this point, the supervisors haven’t determined where the expansion will be, let alone whether there actually will be any expansion at all.”

The report is scheduled to be evaluated by a special county committee in about two weeks, Brennen said. Then it will be forwarded to the county’s chief administrative officer, who may submit a recommendation to the supervisors. A final decision on the expansion of North County courthouses is expected in January, Brennen said.

Escondido City Manager Vern Hazen questioned the significance of the apparent savings in operating costs.

“First of all, the $1.2 million figure that’s been mentioned in operating savings is only 1% of the capital construction costs. I think you have to look at the overall scheme of things, and in that sense, that figure doesn’t seem to be that big,” Hazen said.

“And another important aspect to look at is how to best serve the people. The study is talking about money, what’s most comfortable to the county’s agencies. But I think it’s important to give the people an option to go to two different places.” Vista City Manager Morris Vance disagreed.

Shared Courtroom Advantages

“I think the report indicates that an expansion at Vista is the best choice,” he said. “You can always find money to build, that’s a one-time cost. But operating costs are real costs . . . year in and year out, you have to face those operating costs. I believe the savings mentioned in the report need to be seriously considered.”

Brennen maintained a neutral stance between the claims of the two city managers.

“The study was not done to determine where the new courts should go. The consultants’ responsibility was to determine how feasible it is to use the shared courtroom concept in North County,” Brennen said.