Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court chief judge backs city manager’s $195,000 operating request

Chief Judge Timothy Quade Quick presented the juvenile and domestic relations court operating request to the City Council and said the court supports the city manager’s recommended appropriation of about $195,000 for fiscal year 2026.

Quick told council the funds would cover part-time clerks, supplements used to recruit and retain court staff during difficult labor markets, and occasional bonuses paid when state-funded positions do not cover all needs. "This is the amount that the city manager has proposed and we are in 100% agreement with that," he said.

The judge said the state recently authorized a seventh full-time judge after a caseload study covering the prior decade, and Judge-elect Regis Rice is expected to assume that post July 1 if the state provides its budgeted funding. Quick said the new judge should help address a backlog of adult criminal cases and also provide relief for custody and visitation dockets.

Quick described courthouse accessibility and renovation work in coordination with public works and courthouse modernization planners. Officials said one courtroom is likely to be modified within about 18 months to meet ADA needs for judges and the public, and that the front counter renovation previously approved remains underway.

Speakers who addressed this item included Chief Judge Timothy Quick and Amy Burnham, the court’s clerk. No formal council vote was recorded at the end of the presentation; the council received the briefing and asked questions about timeline and amenities.