The Struthers Municipal Court judge told the finance and legislation committee that the court’s caseload has grown substantially in recent years and asked the council to support converting the judge position from part time to full time.

Speaker 2, identified in the transcript as the judge, said the court’s caseload had increased and that the time available for administrative responsibilities has shrunk because of time spent on the bench. The judge said the court handles roughly “1,200 to 1,300 cases” (described in the meeting as an increase from prior years) and added, “I just need more time to do it all.” The judge outlined expectations for more community engagement, specialty dockets, and administrative oversight of the clerk’s office.

Council members raised budget questions and staffing implications. A staff member (Speaker 10) reported speaking with the city’s finance contact (Chrissy) and said the conversion would likely be affordable under current budgeting assumptions, though further conversation about schedule expectations was needed. The committee introduced a resolution supporting conversion under Ohio law and a companion resolution requesting support from state officials and county groups; both motions were moved and seconded for committee consideration.

Why it matters: Converting a municipal judge to full-time status changes workload expectations, compensation, and potentially court operations and access for the community. The committee also introduced a resolution asking for support from external officials and bodies, including State Senator Al Catrona, State Representative Tex Fisher, the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners and the Mahoning County Bar Association.

Next steps: The resolutions were introduced and moved in committee; staff and council members signaled further discussion in budget season and expected formal consideration by the full council.