LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Monday was Labor Day, and a holiday for most people, including the entire Kentucky court system -- but it will remain closed Tuesday marking the second of three three furlough days for judicial branch employees.
The furloughs were agreed to after state lawmakers approved a $25.2 million budget cut for the judicial branch.
So even as most workers head back to their jobs, courtroom benches will be empty and no cases will be heard. That means suspects who were arrested for minor offenses over the weekend could remain in jail until courts reopen on Wednesday.
The first furlough day fell on August 6. The last furlough day was set for October 15.
Prior to the first furlough day on August 6, District Judge Angela McCormick Bisig expressed concern that the furloughs could create a bottleneck in the court system and local jails.
"People need their cases resolved, we need our laws enforced, and now we've gotten to the point where we're not going to have court three days," said Judge Angela McCormick Bisig. "That's a serious issue."
When the court system is closed, clerks can't collect bonds and attorneys can't file motions -- even murder cases are put on hold.
Courts will reopen as usual on Wednesday, September 5.
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City Hall will remain empty Tuesday as workers observe a second furlough day.
District Judge Angela McCormick Bisig
