Public access hours for Clallam County District Court I have been reduced, judge Dave Neupert announced in a press release last week.

Public access windows will be open from 9 a.m.-noon and 12:30-3 p.m. on all court days.

The reduction, Neupert said, was necessary because of Clallam County’s “unilateral decision to defund an essential court clerk position.”

The cut in funding, Neupert said, now requires four clerks to do the work of five clerks without any additional compensation.

“That decision requires reduction of the hours the Court is available to the public to complete the Court’s daily business,” he said in the release.

The courtroom will remain open until 4:30 p.m. for scheduled hearings and trials. Mental Health Court and Deferred Prosecution special report calendars will remain with their existing schedules, Neupert noted.

The reduced hours will limit public access to the Court to request protection orders, to pay infractions and fines, inquire about jury service, file papers or ask for help.

Persons who need to file for a protection order between 3-4:30 p.m. may contact Clallam County Superior Court.

Those interested in more information about the funding changes are encouraged to call Neupert or court administrator Marrissa Williams at 360-417-2453.