Simpsonville council appoints Ariel Rogers as ministerial recorder

Simpsonville City Council unanimously appointed Ariel Rogers as ministerial recorder for Simpsonville Municipal Court on March 11, approving the appointment by voice vote 7-0.

City Administrator Gracely summarized the request, saying Ariel Rogers, an assistant clerk of court, "be appointed to ministerial recorder for Simpsonville Municipal Court." The appointment gives Rogers authority to sign warrants and conduct arraignments in the administrative judge’s absence during normal business hours.

The role is intended as part of a succession plan: Administrator Gracely told council that Rogers "has been here for 2 years and 4 months, and this time she has been a model employee whose work has been exemplary. She has a great work ethic and learns duties very quickly." After the vote, Judge Strong and Ms. Rogers conducted a public swearing-in ceremony at the dais.

Rogers will assume the ministerial duties only when the administrative judge is absent during normal business hours; the appointment does not change the court’s regular judge assignments, the administration said. The council took no other action tied to municipal court staffing at the meeting.

Council action: motion to approve the appointment was made by Councilmember Hutchings and seconded by Councilmember O'Rear; vote 7-0 in favor.

The council adjourned business after completing its agenda items for the evening.