California Courthouses to Close Once a Month

California’s Judicial Council has ordered all California courthouses to be closed on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning September 16th. The scheme is intended to save money and avoid mass layoffs.

Some courts will involuntarily furlough their workers that day, while others will keep working on administrative matters.

The plan is meant to save the state $85.3 million. The judicial branch needs to cut $393 million from its budget.

Apart from the inconvenience to citizens, the closures will cost Sheriff’s Departments that are paid by the courts to provide security. The Los Angeles County Sheriff expects to lose $13 million.