Broward commissioners pay $4M for new courthouse furniture

Broward County commissioners agreed unanimously on Tuesday to spend $4 million on office furniture for its new courthouse, which is currently under construction in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The state declined to bankroll the upgrades.

The decision comes not so much because the old furniture was unusable, but because of the complications associated with having it moved, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

Assistant public works director Steve Hammond said he “lies awake at night” fearing the transition from the old to new courthouse will “cause the courts to come to a close.” And attempting to move employees and their furniture could do just that, he told the newspaper.

Others were concerned that moving the furniture could transport the mold and mildew that plagued the old building to the new high-rise.

“Should this existing furniture be moved into the new building,” said Iris Siple, the clerk of court’s chief administrator and a Pembroke Pines city commissioner, “you will … be bringing that old mold and mildew and all those health risks into this brand new building.” [Sun-Sentinel] – Christopher Cameorn