Englewood municipal court reports 2024 underspend, expands restorative justice services

Kennetha Julian, Court Administrator for the Englewood Municipal Court, told the Budget Advisory Committee on March 25 that the court’s 2024 operating budget of about $1.4 million was underspent — the court used roughly $1.1 million and returned about $250,000 to the city.

Julian said revenues rose in 2024 largely because of increased parking and traffic infraction filings. “Revenues are a byproduct of court conducting business. They’re not the purpose of the judicial system,” she said, adding that fines and fees are “allocated per code as set and determined and assessed by the judge based on the individual case and circumstances.”

The presentation framed the court’s work around its mission to ensure “justice and dignity for all.” Julian outlined staffing and program changes: Presiding Judge Joe Jefferson is the elected judge; the court uses four associate judges to meet statutory bond-hearing requirements and cover absences. Evan Vrenrich is the deputy court administrator; the court has four court specialists but noted one vacancy being held for vacancy-savings and workload balance. The full-time Court Navigator position is vacant after the prior navigator became the city prosecutor.

Julia…