SAN FRANCISCO San Mateo County Superior Court officials announced Thursday that a $4.5 million budget shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year will require the court to close five courtrooms, eliminate five commissioner positions, and reduce staff by 6 to 8 percent.
Court executive officer John Fitton said Friday that no formal layoff notices have been sent to court employees, but that the court announced its plans well in advance of its target to downsize this summer out of fairness to employees. The court plans to cut the five commissioner positions and consolidate services at two satellite courthouses by July, and reduce staff by September, unless the governor’s May budget revision restores some trial court funding.
