Local Government Resources
With a presence in all 120 counties, the Judicial Branch occupies about 5.4 million square feet across the Commonwealth. Court facilities, including courthouses, annexes, justice centers and judicial centers, are owned and maintained by local governments. Public Properties Corporations serve as the owners until debt service is paid, at which point title transfers to the county.
The AOC pays the Judicial Branch’s share of debt service directly to the trustee bank based on its occupancy ratio. When the Judicial Branch occupies 100% of a court facility, it pays 100% of the debt service used to finance the facility’s construction or renovation.
The AOC reimburses local governments for the costs of utilities, insurance, janitorial services and recurring maintenance for court facilities. These reimbursements are estimated using an Annual Reimbursement Form and paid in advance each quarter. Following the annual audit, reimbursements are adjusted to reflect actual expenses.
The AOC also reimburses local governments for nonrecurring maintenance projects, defined as maintenance expenses exceeding $2,500. The Judicial Branch is currently appropriated $5 million annually for these expenses, or about 93 cents per square foot.
Advance approval is required for reimbursement of nonrecurring maintenance projects to ensure expenses remain within the appropriation. To request authorization, submit a completed Work Order Request Form to FacilitiesRequest@kycourts.net. Approval will be documented in writing.
Projects may be deferred when sufficient funds are not available in the current fiscal year. Projects also may be denied if they are not necessary to support court operations. Once a project is approved, the local government may complete the work and seek reimbursement by submitting invoices and canceled checks to the Department of Court Facilities.
The General Assembly also has appropriated capital project funds for major building component replacements. If a major component needs to be replaced, contact FacilitiesRequest@kycourts.net. An AOC-contracted design professional will assess the component and make recommendations. If replacement is necessary, the design professional will provide design services and, at the county’s request, bidding assistance.
After the project is bid, the AOC will issue a reimbursement memorandum of understanding outlining the reimbursement amount and process.