Kansas District Court seeks 2026 budget approval amid judicial selection discussions

Leavenworth County's Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) convened on July 10, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the district court and the county attorney's office for the upcoming year. The meeting highlighted the district court's request for continued funding at the same level as previous years, emphasizing the importance of maintaining judicial services amid ongoing community challenges.

Chief Judge Joan Loudon presented the district court's budget, expressing gratitude for the support received from the commission. She noted the critical role of the court in addressing family issues and juvenile cases, which have been particularly pressing in recent times. The discussion also touched on the selection process for district court judges in Kansas, which varies by judicial district. In Leavenworth County, a nominating commission interviews candidates and submits a list of three to five names to the governor for appointment.

The meeting also featured the county attorney's office, led by County Attorney Todd Thompson, who reported on staffing challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thompson announced the addition of two part-time positions to help manage the workload, which has increased due to a backlog of cases and the implementation of a new data management system. He acknowledged the difficulties in hiring attorneys and the ongoing need for adequate legal resources.

Overall, the discussions underscored the importance of stable funding for judicial and legal services in Leavenworth County, as both offices strive to meet the needs of the community effectively. The BOCC's support for these budgets will be crucial in ensuring that the county can continue to provide essential services to its residents. As the budget process moves forward, the focus will remain on addressing staffing shortages and maintaining the quality of legal services in the region.