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Washington County creates Office of Judicial Commissioners, shifts night-clerk funding
Summary
The Washington County Commission voted to create an Office of Judicial Commissioners to provide 24/7 magistrate authority, approving a program transition funded by reallocating night-clerk personnel dollars; commissioners stressed safeguards and quarterly review amid concerns about jail population and statutory authority.
Washington County commissioners on Tuesday voted to create a Washington County Office of Judicial Commissioners and to begin a transition of funding from the court clerk’s night-clerk program to the new office.
The action, adopted after an extended public and commissioner debate, was approved by recorded vote 11–3–1. The resolution directs the county to implement a one‑year pilot structure for judicial commissioners who would have the statutory authority to issue bonds, sign certain orders and set conditions during overnight and weekend hours.
The measure matters because judicial commissioners have broader legal authority than the current night clerks, and supporters said the change will allow faster responses on time‑sensitive matters such as emergency…
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