KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa | Iowa court workers forced to take ten unpaid days off

Iowa court workers forced to take ten unpaid days off

DES MOINES (KWWL) -- The Iowa Supreme Court informed all court employees today they will have to take ten unpaid days off between December 4, 2009 and June 18, 2010.  This comes after courts were already closed for five days this year.

State budget problems are the reason for the furloughs which should reduce the judicial branch operating budget by $4.1 million this fiscal year.

All court offices will be closed on the ten predetermined furlough days listed here:

Friday, December 4

Thursday, December 24

Thursday, December 31

Friday, January 15

Monday, February 15

Friday, March 12

Friday, March 26

Friday, April 2

Friday, May 28

Friday, June 18

Judges and magistrates may be available for emergency matters.  Court officials say the days selected are typically the least busy.

"We designed the court closure schedule to minimize the impact of closures on the public as much as possible, said State Court Administrator David Boyd.  "Regrettably, the closures will disrupt and reduce public access to the courts, Boyd continued. There will be gaps in services and more delays and backlogs will grow. But under the circumstances these problems are unavoidable. The states budget crisis demands drastic action."

Previously scheduled court dates for the furlough days must be rescheduled.  If a deadline falls on a date when court is closed, Iowa law states the deadline moves to the next day the court is open.

The court will announce additional cost-cutting measures later this week according to officials.

See local reaction tonight on our evening newscasts.

Online Reporter:  Jamie Grey