Miami City Council approved the hire of Andrew Doney as an alternate municipal court judge Nov. 4. Council and staff said an alternate judge is needed in limited circumstances, for example when the presiding judge's spouse might be a witness.

Staff described the expected frequency (approximately three to four appearances per year) and said Doney agreed to serve at $150 per appearance. Staff indicated funding for the alternate judge would come from the legal department's budget. The council moved and approved the appointment by recorded voice/roll call.

The action is administrative and limited in frequency; the council did not create a new full-time position or amend the legal budget on the record in the provided segments.