Some clarity, at least in terms of cost, regarding an upgraded or new Nevada County courthouse. And a study for the State Judicial Council shows that moving it out of the Nevada City downtown area would actually be the least expensive, even though it’s still 172-million dollars. City Manager Sean Grayson says the estimated costs for keeping the courthouse on the same spot it’s been since the 1930’s run from 220 to 247-million…

click to listen to Sean Grayson

Grayson says all the alternate sites are along the Golden Chain Highway. He says better parking, including a possible parking structure, as well as security upgrades, are among the top concerns for the Judicial Council…

click to listen to Sean Grayson

The study also shows that the courthouse generates nearly two-and-a-half million dollars a year for downtown businesses. Grayson says the city believes that’s underestimated but it still illustrates the profound economic impact if the courthouse is no longer downtown. Meanwhile, Vice-Mayor Doug Fleming says he’d also like some assurances about a possible replacement tenant.