Commissioners Defy Court Order on Courthouse Construction
Two Benton County commissioners pushed ahead with a massive construction contract despite a judicial injunction, sparking a direct challenge to the court's authority.
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Disregarding the order of Judge Linn, restraining them from taking further action in the courthouse matter, County Commissioners Clements and McNeill last Friday afternoon let the contract for building a courthouse in Prosser to the Ferro Concrete company of Seattle, this company’s bid of $107,678 being the lowest of the six submitted. For this action these two commissioners are cited to appear before the superior court in Prosser on January 17th and show cause why they were not in contempt of court. It is said that Clements and McNeill are expecting to be relieved of the contempt charge on the plea that they took this action on the advice of their attorney, Edward A. Davis of Pasco. Davis, it will be remembered, was defeated in the last election for the superior judgeship by John Truax of Ritzville. Truax took office on last Monday and the contempt proceedings will be heard before him.
“For this action these two commissioners are cited to appear before the superior court in Prosser on January 17th and show cause why they were not in contempt of court.”
Local government power struggles over high-cost capital projects remain a staple of municipal politics. The tense interplay between the judicial branch and elected commissioners over public spending mirrors the ongoing scrutiny modern Washington counties face when managing significant infrastructure budgets.
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