Commissionists request data as county considers starting process for a second justice court judge

County leaders discussed the potential creation of a second justice court judge post after the justice court reported a substantial caseload increase and requested the appointment process be started.

David Levitt (on the phone) told commissioners the justice court has seen an increase of roughly 800 filings in the second half of 2020 following criminal justice reform efforts and said he and his chief deputy had compiled statistics to support starting the process for a second judge. Commissioners asked staff to provide historic caseload numbers and budget information so they could assess whether the increase represents a sustained trend that would justify a permanent second position.

Clerk/Staff (S11) said the county has two judges currently budgeted and that staff would circulate the requested data. Commissioners emphasized they would want historical trends and projections before moving forward. No appointment was made at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with the documentation needed to support a formal decision.

The discussion included acknowledgement that adding a permanent judge is a long-term commitment that would affect future budgets and staffing. Commissioners asked that Mr. Levitt or his representatives present case trend data at a future meeting when the commission considers the item for action.