Courthouse Proceedings Using Alternate Location Plans Due to Limited Elevator Access

Chief Judge Lisa Lott of the Superior Court of the Western Judicial Circuit announces that court proceedings will continue under a contingency plan that accounts for the possible absence of any functioning elevators in the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse. Although there is generally one elevator available for use in the courthouse, the contingency plan will allow courts to continue to function in a similar fashion should the remaining working elevator require closure or repair.

"We appreciate the public's understanding while we navigate through these temporary changes and inconveniences," said Lott. "We have a number of plans in place to address different scenarios that were partially informed by our experience during Covid closures and limitations. While some of the courts' locations may be altered, what isn't changing is their function to continue to provide a full range of trusted, vital services to the community."

The courthouse, located at 325 East Washington Street in Athens, is the site of all Athens-Clarke County courts, including Superior, State, Magistrate, Probate, Municipal, and Juvenile Courts. The building also houses the Clerk of Superior and State Courts' Office, District Attorney's Office, Solicitor General's Office, Tax Commissioner's Office, and Tax Assessor's Office.

The courthouse is serviced by three elevators, two of which are not in service. The remaining elevator has been deemed safe for use by Premier Elevator technicians. Due to the limited elevator service, courthouse visitors who can use stairs should do so when possible and reserve the elevators for use by visitors who cannot use the stairs.

The Athens-Clarke County judiciary advises court participants to verify the location of their court proceeding prior to coming to court by visiting www.accgov.com/courts or the individual court's website or by calling the appropriate court or office before arrival.

For Monday, November 18, 2024, Municipal Court will be canceled. Municipal Court visitors should check the website or call for their status and location for other days beyond November 18.

Some courts will move to alternative locations within the courthouse, while others may move to the Oconee County Courthouse or other Athens-Clarke County Unified Government facilities such as City Hall, the Classic Center, or the Dougherty Street Government Building.

If access to court proceedings becomes limited, live streaming will be available for affected courts and judges and linked through www.accgov.com/courts. Visitors can click on the live stream link of the appropriate judge or court to view live court proceedings when occurring from their computer or smart phone.

While court proceedings may move to alternate locations, members of the public who need to conduct business with any of the courts, Clerk of Courts, District Attorney, Solicitor, Tax Commissioner, or Tax Assessor may visit these offices at the courthouse during normal business hours.

If there is no functioning elevator available during the visit to the courthouse for those who cannot use the stairs, staff at the entrance will receive requests for customer service. Appropriate office representatives will be notified to report to the first floor to address the requested needs or complete any transactions.

Three elevators are located in the Courthouse, one of which is designated for inmate use only. All three elevators have passed their expected lifecycle and repair materials are no longer manufactured for maintenance needs. The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission approved funding for upgrades for all three elevators in October 2024. While the updates are in process, the materials for the updates are not expected for delivery until March 2025 with an additional 2-3 months of installation work required after receipt.

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