The court has also significantly shortened hours at its public counters. And the bench is so short on court reporters, it has decided to save money by eliminating them in all probate cases and most civil proceedings, forcing those who need a record of their hearings to hire a private stenographer at about $1,000 a day, plus $5.15 per page. Presiding Judge Patricia M. Lucas, who has been the court’s policymaker since January, said the court is doing everything it can to stay in the black and provide the best service possible. The new courthouse’s costs are the latest hit to....MORE
