Bob Fowler reported on Thursday that the Division I General Sessions Court, which has met in Oak Ridge for 13 years, is likely moving back to Clinton.

With the County’s highest population density in Oak Ridge, it makes sense to have one of the sessions courts meet here. If both are to meet in Clinton, then why have two sessions judges at all? The reasoning for the move is purportedly “security concerns” about the Oak Ridge courtroom, but it would seem that the renovations required to convert the County Commission room to a courtroom would cost at least as much — if not substantially more — as improving security in the existing courtroom in Oak Ridge.

Furthermore, moving the court to Clinton will cost Oak Ridge taxpayers more, as city police officers will be required to travel further, and will be away from patrol longer (probably resulting in an announcement of need for more officers).

And, from the perspective of Clinton taxpayers, there should be some concern about converting the Jolley building (which now houses Regions Bank on the first floor) to entirely public, non-taxpaying use.

Government office reshuffling may reshape the future uses of the five-story Jolley Building, said Alan Beauchamp, the county’s buildings and grounds director.

“Do we want to turn this building into a county services building, a criminal justice center? That’s what we have to decide,” Beauchamp said.

The Jolley building was originally built as a bank, and the first floor is currently occupied by Regions Bank. While I can appreciate the County’s need for office space near the courthouse, there’s something discomforting about the nicest office space in Clinton being reserved entirely for County government.

I plan to ask my county commissioners to oppose moving the court to Clinton.