MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee County leaders are moving forward with plans for a new public safety building, saying the aging courthouse complex has become increasingly unsafe and unsuitable for court proceedings.

On Friday, Chief Judge Carl Ashley and Judge Laura Crivello gave reporters a firsthand look at the conditions inside the current Public Safety Building, where criminal trials and other court business are conducted.

"I'll let it speak for itself," Ashley said while demonstrating the building's lack of climate control. "You guys are getting a shot at ninety degrees, and I'm kind of feeling it."

Ashley said temperatures inside the building become dangerously hot during the summer and uncomfortably cold in the winter, making it difficult for jurors, attorneys and others to focus during court proceedings.

Crivello said the building's problems extend beyond discomfort, pointing to infrastructure issues she described as serious safety concerns.

"I received emails saying don't use the bathrooms on the east side of the buildings because they will explode if you flush them," Crivello said. "Can you imagine working in a building where you're told not to use the bathroom because it might explode? This complex needs to come down, and we don't need to use our money from our constituents to fix something that can't last."

Replacing the Public Safety Building would be a major and costly project, but county officials have been developing potential designs and plans for a new facility.

Milwaukee County supervisors are expected to discuss the proposal later this month. CBS 58 News will continue to follow developments.