Placer court considers limited service days

The Superior Court of Placer County is considering closing most of its courtrooms for 12 days this year in an effort to save money. The ongoing state fiscal crisis has resulted in multiple years of significant reductions in state funding to the Placer County court, according to a statement released by the court. These limited service days could allow the court to save up to $550,000 in operating costs for the current fiscal year, which began July 1. During the limited service days, only the courtroom at the Placer County Jail in Auburn (Department 13) would remain open. All other courtrooms and clerks' offices, including the Bill Santucci Justice Center in Roseville, would be closed.A drop box would be provided to allow same-day filings at all locations that accept filings, according to the statement. Department 13 would handle all criminal arraignments, certain time-sensitive juvenile proceedings and any last day criminal matters. The proposed limited service days are Nov. 21–23, Dec. 27–30, Jan. 27, March 23, April 27, May 25 and June 15.The court is seeking public comment on this proposal prior to making a final decision. Written comments are due by 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12 and can be submitted electronically to courtadmin@placer.courts.ca.gov or by mail to: Superior Court of California, County of Placer ATTN: Court Administration. P.O. Box 619072, Roseville, CA 95661.~ Toby Lewis