Menands Court disbands as Colony takes over judicial proceedings and revenue flow

The Village of Menands held a special meeting on February 12, 2025, to discuss the potential disbandment of its local court system. The primary focus was on transitioning court responsibilities to the Town of Colony, which could take effect around June 2025 unless a referendum is passed.

During the meeting, officials explained that if the Menands court is disbanded, police officers would no longer direct cases to the Menands Judicial Court. Instead, they would refer them to the Town of Colony Court. This change raises questions about revenue, as Menands would still receive a small portion of fines from tickets issued by its police, while the majority of parking and code enforcement violations would also be adjudicated by the Town of Colony.

The discussion emphasized that the decision to disband the court is not a reflection on the performance of court staff or justices, but rather a financial consideration. Officials noted that the court's operations are not sustainable based on current numbers, likening the situation to a business decision where resources could be better allocated elsewhere.

Concerns were raised about how outstanding fines would be managed post-transition, with officials indicating that they would need to clarify these details with the Office of Court Administration (OCA). Additionally, it was noted that only about 10% of defendants in the Menands court are village residents, suggesting that the impact on local residents might be minimal. Most cases involve traffic violations, with a significant number of defendants coming from outside the area.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions and comments from board members and residents, highlighting the community's interest in understanding the implications of this significant change. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential actions regarding the court's future.