Passaic County assignment judge cites judge, staff shortages as two new courtrooms go under construction

Passaic County Assignment Judge Rudy Filco told the county commissioners at their Jan. 7 reorganization meeting that the court system is operating with significant staffing shortages while construction starts on two new courtrooms.

Filco, introduced at the meeting as the assignment judge for Passaic County, said the courts are “down approximately 70 staff employees at this time, which is 14% of our allotment through the Administrative Office of the Courts.” He added, “currently, we are still down, as we sit here today, five judges out of our allotment of 27.” Filco told commissioners those two judgeship vacancies will grow to seven at the end of February because two judges plan to retire.

Why it matters: Filco described hiring and turnover trends that affect case processing and courtroom scheduling, while the county also takes on major construction and restoration projects in courthouse facilities.

Filco said court leadership has hired a number of managers and other experienced personnel since he took the assignment judge role 19 months ago, noting “we've hired five new division managers, six assistant division managers, a new ombudsman, two new presiding judges and dozens of new staff members.” He also warned that the court remains short-staffed and that turnover of experienced employees has made operations difficult: “It's become very difficult.”

Construction and restoration: Filco thanked county administrators and engineers for approving and advancing construction. He said the courts received approval to add two courtrooms on the sixth floor of the Hamilton Street building and that “this week construction has begun. Demolition is moving quickly as we speak.” Filco described the forthcoming courtrooms as “state of the art” with updated electronics and said they will be among the “best courtrooms in the Vicinage.”

Filco and county staff said the renovation work requires state review and approval. He described coordination with county engineering and architects and said plans must be submitted to Trenton for sign-off, citing state security and building review: “Trenton looks at it and says, what about this for security? What about that for security?”

The judge also said the county will seek bids in February for a “complete restoration” of the historic courthouse, and that the restoration will be “primarily” funded with a grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust.

Security and operations: Filco said he has met with Sheriff Adamo to discuss courthouse safety and that the sheriff “pledged to work closely with me to try to make sure that we continue what we've always had here.” He reminded commissioners that courthouse buildings see heavy public traffic: “It's now about 60,000 each month,” Filco said, noting the sheriff's office tracks entries “through the magnetometer.” Filco said the courts are returning to mostly in‑person hearings and trials after the pandemic and that higher visitor counts increase the need for coordinated security and facility planning.

Local coordination: Filco repeatedly thanked county administrator Matthew P. Jordan and county engineering staff, including Steve Orsini, Andrew Thompson and Isaiah Miller, for their assistance in the planning and the start of construction. He also recognized Melanie Nowling (TCA) and county clerk Daniel Imhoff during remarks.

What the court will do next: Filco said court leaders will continue internal recruitment and work with state and county partners to address judge and staff vacancies, manage construction scheduling around court activity, and pursue grant funding for the historic courthouse restoration. He said he will continue efforts “behind the scenes” to expedite appointments but noted that judicial appointments involve the governor and state senators.

Votes at a glance

- Election of county commissioner director: Commissioner Lepore nominated and the commissioners approved the 2025 director by roll-call vote (Bartlett; Cruz; Devore; Duffy; James; Lazaro; Lepore — yes). Outcome: approved (unanimous by roll call).

- Election of county commissioner deputy director: Commissioner Sandy Lazaro was nominated and approved by roll-call vote (Bartlett; Cruz; Devore; Duffy; James; Lazaro; Lepore — yes). Outcome: approved (unanimous by roll call).

Ending: Filco closed by emphasizing collaboration between the courts and county government on staffing, security and construction, and he expressed optimism about 2025 while urging continued coordination during planned work and transitions.