The dispute concerning the West Virginia Supreme Court and the Monongalia County Justice Center could be settled through mediation, according to recent developments in the case. The Monongalia County Commission is raising the prospect of mediation that would include a three-person panel that would help to determine what a reasonable rate is for the state Supreme Court to pay for space in the Justice Center.

According to state code, the Supreme Court compensates counties what it calls a “reasonable amount” for the space they use to house their family court system. This ended up being $12 per square foot at the previous location, which was in the magistrate building. The court has pointed out several times that $12 is the highest rate paid to any county in situation such as this.

Before the move was made to the justice center, the county asked that the rate of pay be bumped up to $18 per square foot. The court was appalled by the request and demanded an appraisal, which the county gave them. The appraisal returned a rate of $20 to $25 per square foot as their recommendation. The county then requested $20, which the court rejected and then requested another appraisal with stated comparables. That appraisal returned a rate of $24.90 per square foot compared to similar spaces in downtown Morgantown. The county then upped its request to that rate. The court uses nearly 6000 square feet in the justice center.

The administrative director for the West Virginia Supreme Court then wrote a letter in response, rejecting the rate. A representative from the county stated that the accusations it had made demands were “incorrect, inappropriate, and asinine.”