Judge and court officials press council to restore staff and pay increases; council approves limited amendments, schedules follow-up

Judge Kathleen Galen and court staff detailed a series of staffing and operational requests for the 38th District Court during a May 13 Eastpointe City Council special meeting, arguing reductions made during and after the COVID period risked undermining court operations.

The court requested two full‑time union clerks to replace grant‑funded part‑time positions that expire Dec. 31, a magistrate hourly rate restoration to $104,000 annualized, and retention of a $20 hourly cap for part‑time clerks. Magistrate Mark McCoskey and Judge Galen provided budget comparisons and operational data to support the requests; Finance Director Randy Blum supplied administration’s fiscal analysis. Council approved a package of smaller operating increases but excluded the court’s largest staffing and wage items and set a follow‑up special meeting for May 20.

Galen said the court must preserve operational independence. “It’s clear the funding unit cannot intrude on the court’s operation through a budget,” she told council, citing Supreme Court administrative guidance that “the court shall propose a budget for approval by funding, not the other way around.” McCoskey outlined 11…