Glynn County probate judge asks commissioners for security upgrades, staff and capital planning as population grows

Kelly Lanier, probate court judge, told the Glynn County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 21 that the probate court is facing space, security and staffing shortfalls and asked the county to collaborate on near-term budget and capital projects planning.

Lanier said Glynn County’s growth makes planning urgent because “it will not be long before probate court becomes an article 6 court that results when we have a population of 90,000.” She asked commissioners to visit the probate office so they could better see its needs.

The judge described records and physical-security needs for the office. “We are the keeper of confidential records,” Lanier said, noting the court stores original wills, temporary-guardianship files and financial and estate records that require secure vaults and access control. She said doors installed in fall 2023 were never activated with the access-technology that would separate judges’ chambers and the clerk’s office from the public and that she plans to move forward with quotes from Collins Lock and Key to complete the work.

Lanier outlined staffing requests tied to those security and workload changes. She said she has included a personnel position in the FY2026 budget but asked the board to consider adding a temporary intake person to staff a secured intake window and a judicial administrative position to help with payroll, budgeting, calendar management and writing orders. She also said her chief clerk’s duties have expanded to include payroll, invoicing, staff supervision and serving as the terminal agency coordinator for weapons-carry permits.

The judge told commissioners that the probate court has agreed with the juvenile court to retain more temporary guardianship cases to help juvenile court workload. Lanier said keeping those cases in probate increases administrative workload because some matters require appointing a guardian ad litem and other services the court does not investigate itself.

Lanier also raised concerns about inconsistent security coverage and requested a reliable deputy presence for in-court proceedings and transport or hearings held at Gateway when mental-health cases are heard outside the courthouse. She noted a statewide emphasis on judicial security from the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Commissioners asked whether Lanier had submitted monetary amounts for the requested positions; she said a position is included in the FY2026 budget and that she previously provided a memo to Miss Munson outlining details. Commissioners said they would take the request under advisement and follow up.

Lanier invited board members and budget-planning staff to tour probate facilities before decisions are finalized and said she would supply any further requested information.