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Judge asks council to consider expanding city court clerk hours to open Fridays; council seeks budget impact analysis
Summary
Judge Mark McPhee asked the council to amend the salary ordinance to increase the court clerk from 29 to 35 hours per week so the court could be open Fridays. Council approved a motion to discuss the request but noted the budget does not currently support the change and an ordinance amendment will need a future formal vote.
Martinsville — Judge Mark McPhee asked the Martinsville Common Council on Jan. 13 to consider amending the salary ordinance to increase the city court clerk’s authorized hours from 29 to 35 per week so the court could add Friday hours.
McPhee told the council that the city court has historically operated on limited hours and that courthouse pamphlets show current hours do not include Fridays. He asked the council to approve increasing clerk hours so the court could operate five days a week.
Judge Mark McPhee said the change would move the position from part time toward full time and allow the court to add Friday availability. McPhee also noted recent family emergencies had affected court scheduling and that he personally was willing to work Fridays.
Council members asked whether the city budget could support the increase. Finance staff and council members noted the city reduced court hours in 2024 from an earlier higher level to 29 hours, and council members said the budget office was not prepared to support an immediate ordinance amendment during that meeting.
Councilmember Ben Mahan moved and the council seconded a motion to discuss the city court request; the motion carried by voice vote. Members directed the city finance office to provide a budget impact analysis before any ordinance amendment is brought back for a formal vote.
No ordinance change was adopted at the meeting; council members emphasized that changing the salary ordinance will require a later agenda item, public notice and a formal vote.
