In a recent city council meeting, significant changes were announced regarding the municipal court leadership following the retirement of Judge Noah, who has served for many years and is now 94 years old. David Hill, the city prosecutor for over two decades, has been appointed as the new municipal court judge, while Cass Callaway will serve as the alternate judge. Trey Lansford has been designated as the city prosecuting attorney, and Lori Newton will continue as the municipal court clerk.

The swift transition was necessitated by Judge Noah's unexpected decision to retire at the end of May, prompting the council to expedite the appointment process. Council members expressed concerns about the lack of prior notice regarding the vacancy and the appointment procedure, questioning whether there should be a formal policy for filling such positions in the future. The council acknowledged that while appointments are typically made every two years, the urgency of this situation highlighted potential gaps in the existing process.

Discussion also centered on the compensation for the new appointees, with the council confirming that the judge and alternate judge would receive the same pay of $600 per docket, a rate that has remained unchanged for several years. The council is considering establishing a more consistent approach to professional service agreements for municipal positions, which could be addressed in future workshops or updates to the personnel manual.

The council unanimously approved the appointments, with the new terms set to run from May 2024 to May 2026. The meeting underscored the importance of clear communication and established procedures in municipal governance, particularly in light of unexpected leadership changes.