Court administrator Emily Anderson resigns; judges urge council to fund payout and speed replacement

A judge identified in the record as “Judge Kaluna” told the Delaware County Council on Jan. 27 that Court Administrator Emily Anderson submitted her resignation effective Feb. 20 and urged the council to approve an appropriation to pay out her accrued leave so the courts can hire a replacement quickly.

The judge said Anderson had repeatedly warned the council that the courts needed an assistant during budget deliberations and that the position had been denied at budget time. “As of Friday, she has turned in her resignation,” the judge said, noting the courts “cannot survive without a court administrator.” The judge asked the council to consider paying Anderson out for her paid time off so the office can hire someone within the next 30 days.

Anderson, who addressed the council during the meeting, said she hoped the county would treat employees as assets. “I hope that you look at your employees as assets because I don't feel like one,” she said, and added she loved the job but could no longer continue.

Council members thanked Anderson for her service and asked for procedural steps before any appropriation. One council member acknowledged past recognition of Anderson’s work, saying, “We did give you, I think, a substantial raise a couple years ago based on your performance and abilities,” and asked for a formal plan and more notice in future personnel matters. The liaison to the judges said HR should review the court-administrator job description and whether the office needs part-time or full-time additional staff.

Judge Kaluna said she would provide a plan to the council outlining what is needed for the court-administrator office. No formal appropriation was approved at the Jan. 27 meeting; the judge and council members discussed next steps and scheduled follow-up when the judges submit a written request and plan.

The council’s next regular meeting is Feb. 24, 2026, when officials said they expect to revisit staffing and any appropriation requests tied to the court administrator’s departure.