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Probate court outlines staffing shift, new AOT role and court-reporting strain in 2026 budget
Summary
Probate Court staff told Richland County commissioners that multiple retirements have prompted restructuring: a new deputy clerk/court manager/investigator role, delayed replacement dates, and plans to use in-house staff for court reporting amid persistent shortages and rising transcription costs. Staff linked some changes to House Bill 96 and new
Richland County Probate Court officials told the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 30 that a spate of retirements and new statewide rules will reshape staff roles and workloads in 2026. Judge'office representatives said they have restructured duties so a newly retitled deputy clerk/court manager/investigator can handle court investigations and help stand up an assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) program tied to civil-commitment follow-up.
The court said multiple long-serving staff are leaving and that one deputy clerk, Lori, has a confirmed last day of Feb. 27, 2026. The court plans to hire Paige Davis, who is projected to begin on Nov. 6 at a starting rate cited in the budget materials as $21 per hour; staff said that rate is above the…
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