In a recent meeting of the Summit County Council, members gathered to discuss pressing matters, including the upcoming retirement of Judge Shawna Kerr and the necessary steps to fill her position. The atmosphere was one of urgency as the council recognized the importance of the justice court in the community, where many residents first interact with the legal system.

Judge Kerr, who has served the county for 14 years, announced her retirement, prompting a statutory process to form a Summit County Nominating Commission. This commission will be responsible for vetting candidates to fill the judge's position, which is crucial given the average of 711 cases filed monthly in the Summit County justice court. The council outlined the composition of the commission, which will include appointees from the county manager, the council itself, local mayors, and the Park City Bar Association.

County Attorney Wilson emphasized the need for a swift appointment process, highlighting that the council must set the salary for the new judge in accordance with recent legislative changes. The new law mandates that justice court judges earn between 70% and 90% of the salary of district court judges, which is currently set at $203,700. The council discussed the possibility of holding a special meeting to finalize this salary before the end of the year, ensuring that the position can be advertised promptly.

As the council navigated these discussions, they also considered the logistics of upcoming meetings, including the potential cancellation of a meeting on November 15 due to a conference. The council members expressed a desire to maintain a quorum and ensure that important decisions could be made efficiently.

In closing, the council urged community members interested in serving on the nominating commission to come forward, as the timeline for appointing a new judge is tight. With Judge Kerr's departure, the council is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the integrity of the justice court, a vital institution for the residents of Summit County.