Supervisors Weigh Court Security Bid

County Marshal Michael S. Carona urged the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to approve the hiring of 19 new Court Services Officers to staff a weapons screening station at the Santa Ana Central Courthouse.

But supervisors questioned whether the county can afford the request and directed Chief Executive Officer Jan Mittermeier to meet with Carona and discuss how to pay for the new officers.

In a forceful presentation to the board, Carona said the extra officers and other safety measures are needed to improve court security and prevent violent incidents.

“If you are serious about security in the courthouse, fund this,” he said. Carona even offered to find the $300,000 required to start the security program from his own budget.

Supervisors agreed that the project is critically needed but said Carona should work with county budget officials on finding a source of funds.

The board also allocated an additional $21 million to the county’s trial courts in a move that should keep them operating through the end of the fiscal year.

The money will come from the county’s contingency fund and a miscellaneous account. Supervisor Jim Silva expressed strong support for the plan because it leaves intact the county’s $26-million bond defeasance fund.

Silva said early repayment of bankruptcy recovery bonds will save the county millions of dollars in interest.

The courts could still face a financial crisis next spring if the state fails to make its contribution to the system.