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Council extends municipal judge contract for 2025; councilors raise concerns about juvenile-holding operations
Summary
The council approved a one-year extension of the municipal judge's contract through Dec. 31, 2025, and discussed recent security incidents at the city’s juvenile holding facility and the need to revisit interagency agreements and cost responsibilities.
The Monte Vista City Council voted to extend the municipal judge’s contract for one year, covering Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025.
Staff noted that Judge Zollars had requested a one-year extension in a letter to the city because the city is behind schedule on a request for proposals for a contract judge. A motion to extend the contract was moved and seconded; Councilor Howard, Councilor Lorenz, Councilor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor Becker each voted yes and the council declared the motion carried.
Following the contract vote, councilors and staff discussed the city’s juvenile-holding arrangements. Staff described a recent incident in which an individual brought in by another agency removed a window screen and left the holding area; staff said that when other jurisdictions bring juveniles to Monte Vista they must arrange security and, in some cases, a private security guard is contracted to sit with the juvenile. Councilors expressed concern about property damage and the adequacy of existing interagency agreements and said they expect the sending agency to pay for any damages caused by juveniles they bring in.
Staff said they plan to meet with probation and other agencies to clarify responsibilities, tighten agreements and address liability and insurance issues. Council did not take separate action on juvenile-holding operations at this meeting but directed staff to pursue stronger agreements and to return with options.
