A "modular unit" will be put up at the new Amador County Courthouse to provide a private place for victims and witnesses to await trials and speak with attorneys.

Jon Hopkins, the county's General Services Administration director, told the Amador County Board of Supervisors Tuesday that the unit would be installed in the eastern, lower area of the property at the new courthouse, which was previously the county's administration center. Hopkins estimated it would cost about $3,900 a year to provide gas and electricity to the unit.

Hopkins noted that the current lack of a building for the victim/witness program was "not an oversight." But, he said, it had been hoped that the court could allot some room specifically for the purpose. "That didn't work out," he said. In the original plans, Hopkins said, a conference room was to have been used for the purpose.

The court will have to give up about seven parking spaces to make room for the unit, Hopkins said, but having a separate building isolates the county vs. court function.

County Administrative Officer Terri Daly told the board that the county would be expected to pay "a minor amount" of rent for the property. But, she noted, the courthouse building has not yet been transferred to state ownership, "and we don't want you to delay the transfer."

Daly said it was her understanding that if the county had placed the victim witness office in the courthouse, "it would make that facility a mixed-use facility and we would be joint owners with the courts. Early on, it was agreed by all parties that we would move the victim witnesses out and find another facility."

District Attorney Todd Riebe told the supervisors that the victim witness program, which is funded by a grant, is in its 20th year. He said it has 1.65 employees and last year handled 589 victims and witnesses.

The old victim/witness office, Riebe said, "was a bustling place." But, he said, there is now no place for the county employee who runs the office to keep her files or have private conferences. Sometimes a conference room is available where she can talk to clients, he said, but not always, meaning that some conferences take place in the hallways in whispers.

"We all realize we can and must do better," he said. "We wish it was done yesterday."

Hopkins told the supervisors that bid specifications must be developed and then the project must be bid, meaning it will take at least 60 to 90 days before it can be completed.

On a motion by District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto that was seconded by District 3 Supervisor Ted Novelli, the supervisors agreed 4-0 to pursue the recommended modular building for the purpose. District 4 Supervisor Louis Boitano was absent from the meeting.