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Mableton council holds first read of ordinance to create municipal court
Summary
The council reviewed a first-reading ordinance establishing a Municipal Court of Mableton that defines judge qualifications, court staff roles, powers and procedures; second read set for April 23.
The Mableton City Council held the first reading of an ordinance to create a Municipal Court of the City of Mableton and scheduled a second reading for April 23.
The city attorney summarized the proposed Chapter 6 of the Mableton Code of Ordinances, which formally names the court, provides for appointment of a chief judge and judges pro tem, and sets minimum qualifications: age 21 and five years’ membership in the State Bar of Georgia. The ordinance would make the chief judge and pro tem judges serve until successors are appointed and qualified.
The ordinance outlines court staffing: a municipal court administrator (to be nominated by the mayor, subject to council confirmation) who may serve as department head; a court clerk selected by the city manager; a solicitor nominated by the mayor and confirmed by council; and indigent defense arrangements “as provided by state law,” the attorney said. It also authorizes use of law enforcement officers to execute warrants and writs within the court’s jurisdiction.
On procedural rules, the attorney said the chief judge may adopt reasonable court rules consistent with state, federal and local law. The draft ordinance authorizes the court to establish a schedule of fees, assess fines and impose alternative sentencing mechanisms aligned with the charter.
The draft borrows a traffic-release provision consistent with OCGA 17-6-11: cited drivers may be released in lieu of bail upon showing a driver’s license, with exceptions for DUI and other offenses for which lawful jailing is appropriate. The attorney said this language is commonly used to avoid unnecessary incarceration for minor traffic or parking matters.
The council asked about timeline and location. City Manager William Tanks said staff will post the municipal court administrator position and expects candidates within weeks; potential court locations and lease discussions may be addressed in executive session because they involve real estate. Tanks said he would not be surprised if a municipal court could be established by June, subject to hiring and real estate arrangements.
No final vote was taken; the ordinance will return for a second reading on April 23.
