MACHIAS, Maine — The Washington County Courthouse, which is in the midst of an $8.3 million makeover, now boasts new and improved work spaces for judicial operations.
An addition has been constructed and renovations to the original structure are expected to be completed in December.
So far, the project has added 10 restrooms, plus new and improved courtrooms, mediation and conference rooms, and improved work spaces for the court clerk’s office.
The courthouse was closed for several days in July so court personnel could move into their new offices.
Court Clerk Pam McPherson said this week that she is happy with the new workspace and looks forward to when the rest of the project is completed. At that time, the clerk’s office also will have additional storage space and a break room, which staffers didn’t have before.
In the meantime, clerk’s office employees are enjoying the spacious modern facilities and some little extras such as carts made of large wheeled wire baskets for hauling around large files, she said.
“Little, simple things mean so much to us,” said McPherson.
McPherson said she remembers hearing people say the courthouse project was unnecessary.
“Since we opened, I don’t hear any of that [negativity],” McPherson said.
“I’ve heard a lot of positive comments.”
McPherson said one of the highlights of the new space is a judge’s conference room where employees can meet with their counterparts in Ellsworth and Calais through a video connection. This is especially helpful when scheduling court appearances.
Despite the early success, the project has come with a few glitches. For example, people have complained of “very limited cellphone service” when inside the addition, she said.
The new phone system also has presented a problem. Sometimes callers can’t get through and can remain on hold for as much as 20 or 30 minutes.
“I wouldn’t stay on hold for very long,” McPherson advised. “Hang up and call again.”
Some of the problem, she said, is that all the phones used to ring at everyone’s desk. Now the phone system categorizes callers and determines where the phones will ring.
“We’re working through the newness of the phone system,” she said.