Council approves part‑time courts assistant after debate over full‑time hire

Doug Maywart, a circuit court judge, told the council the courts requested help after court administrator Ted Ward submitted his resignation effective May 13. Maywart said the courts asked for a full‑time administrative assistant but also included a part‑time line because of budget concerns and turnover.

“I think there is a need,” Maywart said, noting the courts share administration across several units and that statute (Delaware County Circuit Courts §33818) authorizes a court administrator. He described judges’ interest in bringing in a new administrator and the tradeoffs of hiring an assistant before that person is in place.

Council members debated timing and cost. One member said a full‑time role could cost about $75,000 a year once benefits were included, while proponents of a smaller hire calculated a part‑time option on a $20 hourly rate prorated through year‑end. Council member Dan moved to amend the request to fund a part‑time assistant; the amendment was seconded and approved.

By roll call the council approved the amended additional appropriation, authorizing $21,466 to fund a part‑time administrative assistant for the courts. Council members emphasized revisiting the staffing level after the new court administrator is hired and asked staff to confirm benefit and payroll lines and to post the position.

The judge said the courts will proceed with the job search for both the administrator and assistant and keep the council informed of hiring progress. The council’s action funds the part‑time position; future adjustments to full‑time staffing will require subsequent council approval.