Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Court Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves agreement to let county magistrates set bonds for Camden jail; funding will be reimbursed
Summary
Council approved an intergovernmental judicial services agreement allowing Kershaw County magistrates to handle bond hearings for city charges at the Camden jail to relieve municipal judges. The county will be reimbursed for magistrate time; the agreement runs through June 2026 with a recall/termination provision.
Kershaw County Council on Aug. 12 approved a resolution authorizing an intergovernmental judicial‑services agreement to provide magistrate coverage for bond hearings at the Camden jail.
County staff explained the agreement lets Kershaw County magistrates assist with municipal bond hearings to give Camden’s municipal judges breathing room on their rotation. The arrangement includes a funding mechanism so the city will reimburse the county for magistrates’ time. Councilmembers said local magistrates’ bench time for county business remains the priority; Judge Davis and the chief magistrate retain discretion over providing coverage and scheduling.
Council members asked whether the arrangement would reduce county magistrates’ time for county matters; staff said the work is outside regular bench duties and typically occurs during distinct bond‑setting windows (for example, early morning and late afternoon). The county’s counsel and staff confirmed the agreement includes a section allowing the county, with approval of the chief magistrate, to provide those services and that either party may terminate the agreement in writing. The term as discussed extends through June 2026 and includes an auto‑renew feature unless either party provides notice.
Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution; staff said the city will reimburse the county for magistrate compensation and associated costs.
