SMITHVILLE – The Town of Smithville is seeking a grant through New York State’s Justice Court Assistance Program to construct a facility for the town’s justice.

During a March town board meeting, Town of Smithville Justice Benjamin Kehl brought it to the board’s attention that the space reserved in Town Hall for the justice 15 years ago is now inefficient and not up to par with state standards. To satisfy state regulations, the justice needs a fireproof area for records and a separate chamber for personal consultations. Following a discussion with JCAP administrators regarding the current condition of the chambers, the board was encouraged to apply for grant funding.

Smithville Supervisor Fred Heisler said the application process would be the first step in a long process. The board approved Kehl’s request to obtain an application for the JCAP grant and suggested he apply for the maximum amount available, which would award the town $30,000 for the construction of a justice facility.

“If we’re not in compliance, we have to make changes some time,” Heisler said. With pending cuts in the state budget, funding from a JCAP grant may not be available next year, so the best time to consider a building project is now, he added