Judge Dandridge seeks funding for Shelby County Environmental Court Foundation initiatives

The Shelby County Budget Subcommittee #4 convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss critical funding requests and initiatives aimed at improving local court operations and addressing community needs. The meeting featured presentations from various officials, including Judge Dandridge, who highlighted the growing demands on the Environmental Court and the need for additional resources.

Judge Dandridge reported that the Environmental Court has seen a significant increase in cases, particularly involving indigent and elderly individuals unable to make necessary repairs to their properties. To address this issue, he proposed the establishment of the Shelby County Environmental Court Foundation, which aims to provide assistance to those in need. He requested $60,839.34 to fund a part-time assistant to help manage the foundation's operations and support the court's efforts in resolving lingering cases that contribute to community blight.

Additionally, Dandridge sought funding for a managerial position to ensure efficient court operations, emphasizing that the current staff member has been working beyond her designated role without proper compensation.

The District Attorney's office also presented its budget needs, highlighting a decline in crime rates and the success of various initiatives, including a fast-track program for violent crimes and a specialized unit for addressing juvenile car thefts. The DA's office requested funding for essential infrastructure upgrades, including a transition to Microsoft 365, which is necessary for modernizing their operations. They also sought financial support to eliminate disparities between county and state employee benefits, including travel and training budgets for county prosecutors.

Overall, the meeting underscored the pressing need for additional resources to enhance the effectiveness of the court system in Shelby County, with a focus on community support and operational efficiency. The subcommittee will review these requests as part of the broader budget considerations for the upcoming fiscal year.