LOCK HAVEN - It appears the magisterial district judge office that covers the Renovo area might be moving... but just where and when isn't a certainty.

Clinton County Court Administrator Miles Kessinger confirmed the "exploratory" effort this week, saying the office in Renovo is aging and would need considerable repair to meet today's standards and needs.

"This isn't set in stone," he said. "We're just looking at options... to see if there's a better location with more parking. Maintenance has been a problem in recent years.

The Clinton County commissioners received a brief - very brief -report on the proposal from Clinton County Solicitor Lewis G. Steinberg at this week's work session.

The concept has apparently been in the discussion stage for about a year, following a report by Clinton County Judges J. Michael Williamson and Craig Miller, suggesting the Renovo District Court facility isn't sufficient to the needs of that magisterial district.

Steinberg would only say officials were looking at sites. He didn't offer additional details, citing the real estate exemption when it comes to public meeting discussions.

While many court costs are reimbursed by the state, Kessinger said, it's the county government's responsibility to provide appropriate facilities. Given the commissioners' belief this year's budget will likely be a tight fiscal package, any movement on the proposal could be delayed due to financial considerations, not to mention the money problems occurred at state level, which might also come into play as the concept moves forward.

The present facility, located at 130 Third St., Renovo, is one of three located in Clinton County. The facility for Mill Hall area is located at 385 Beech Creek Ave., Mill Hall, and the Lock Haven District Court is located at 217 North Jay St., Lock Haven. The local court system also makes use of a central district court system, meeting every Tuesday on the third floor of the Clinton County Courthouse,which acts as a clearinghouse for the three facilities.