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Committee asks judges for utilization updates; circuit court judges' report removed from today’s agenda
Summary
The committee removed the circuit court judges' scheduled report and directed staff to request utilization updates on courtrooms from judges, preferably in writing or every other month.
Marge, clerk of courts, told the committee she had no additional material beyond the written report but was available to answer questions. Committee members requested an update from the circuit court judges on how the county’s two courtrooms are being utilized and how often judges are present in person.
The committee learned that judges can avoid appearing in person to prevent potential ex parte communications; members asked whether the judges could provide written updates for committee members instead of attending in person. The committee directed staff to ask the judges for utilization information and to provide updates to Clerk Marge for posting. Members indicated monthly reports were unnecessary and settled on every-other-month reporting unless the judges prefer otherwise.
Why it matters: the county and committee previously advocated for expanded courtroom use; members want assurance the additional courtroom capacity is being utilized and visible to the county board and committee.
Ending: Staff agreed to request utilization statements from the judges and return with either written updates or scheduled appearances as available.
