Fallon County commissioners on Tuesday set a $12,000 allotment to upgrade courtroom and judge’s office furnishings, trimming an earlier $20,000 capital request after hearing cost estimates for jury chairs, a desk and audiovisual equipment.

The judge, who asked to move into an adjoining office and to buy a new desk, said the courtroom’s jury chairs and several office chairs are worn and some hydraulics fail. “The jury chairs are under the capital outlay for 20,” she said, citing a vendor quote of about $13,000 for courtroom chairs. The judge also requested a TV and computer so exhibits and Zoom feeds can be used in-court; she estimated about $2,000 for that package.

Commissioners debated which items should be purchased this year and which could be deferred. County staff and one commissioner said some existing chairs could be salvaged or retrofitted; the judge and others said several are “hit or miss” and are failing. After comparing quotes and priorities, the commissioners agreed to reduce the line item to $12,000 and to ask staff to inspect courtroom and jury-room chairs with the clerk and report back before any large purchases are finalized.

The $12,000 approved by the commission is intended to cover a new desk and chair for the judge, a replacement TV/computer setup suitable for in-court Zoom and exhibit display, shelving for storage and funds toward jury-room seating. Commissioners said installation costs (for anchored jury chairs) and possible contractor fees for specialized installations will be evaluated separately.

Commissioners also discussed jury-related operational costs — postage for jury letters and the need to resume annual jury questionnaires — and agreed the county should be prepared for increased juror mailing costs should the legislature change jury procedures.

The commission asked courthouse staff to provide a follow-up report with detailed quotes, an inventory of existing chairs (courtroom and jury-room), and recommended timelines before staff purchases are approved.

Ending: The commission’s vote to cut the capital request reduces the county’s immediate outlay while allowing staff time to inspect existing furniture and return with firm vendor quotes; further purchases will be reported to the board before final approvals.