People visiting City Hall on Wednesdays and every other Friday may notice a less-crowded lobby.
Dozens of people attended Jefferson City's municipal court open house Wednesday, with many saying they were excited for the new look and increased court efficiencies.
The municipal court previously operated out of the council chambers at City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St., every Wednesday and on two Fridays a month.
Court staff will move from City Hall into the first floor City Annex Building, at 427 Monroe St., next week. The first court session in the City Annex Building is set for Nov. 28.
"It feels great to get the project done and deliver the facility for the people of Jefferson City," City Counselor Ryan Moehlman said. "We're excited to get started and have court over here on a regular basis and providing greater service to the people."
Since the new municipal court is designed for court functions and not council functions, Moehlman said, it will increase efficiencies and customer service.
The new municipal court contains a 120-person courtroom, offices for prosecutors and judges, benches for judges and clerks, updated bathrooms, upgraded technology, a security area, a transaction desk, a private consultation room and an assigned waiting area.
The Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department previously called the first floor of the City Annex Building home before moving to The Linc, 1299 Lafayette St.
Phil Stiles, program manager of special events with the Parks department, pointed toward a corner of the new courtroom, visualizing where his old office used to be. He said he was impressed with the municipal court and believes the public will be, too.
"I think it's a very functional space for the courts, and I think people will be pleasantly surprised with the new look," Stiles said. "Walking through, trying to figure out where everything was and used to be, it's kind of mind blowing."
The Jefferson City Fire Department administration will remain in the basement of the City Annex Building.
The Jefferson City Council approved a $552,143 contract with GBH Builders Inc. in June to complete the renovations. GBH Buildings completed the substantial part of the municipal court renovations late last month.
Jefferson City is currently accepting applications through Nov. 26 for a temporary municipal court judge position. Municipal Court Judge Cotton Walker won the Cole County associate circuit judge race last week and will begin his new job in January.
The temporary appointed municipal judge would serve from Jan. 1, 2019, until Jefferson City voters elect a municipal court judge in the April 2, 2019, election.
Visit jeffersoncitymo.gov for the application. Applications can be delivered to City Hall, 320 E. McCarty St., or emailed to [email protected].