Apache Junction judge asks council to approve five associate magistrate contracts and to designate juvenile hearing officers

Municipal Court Judge Merrick told the Apache Junction City Council at a work session that he is seeking approval for three new associate magistrate contracts and updates to two existing contracts so the court will meet city qualification rules and have adequate coverage.

Merrick said the court needs additional associate magistrates because the existing contract arrangement is “on call as needed” and the magistrates are also practicing attorneys. He said that when he is at training or otherwise unavailable the court must have qualified coverage and that, on at least one prior occasion, an associate who filled in did not meet city-code qualifications. “I can't give you the exact number,” Merrick said when asked how many juvenile…