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Superior Court warns 20–24% cuts would halt essential dockets, judge says
Summary
Superior Court Judge Michael Evans told commissioners that proposed 20–24% cuts (roughly $1.5 million from a $7–7.5M court budget) would force elimination of court commissioners and mandated services, potentially prompting constitutional challenges.
COWLITZ COUNTY — Michael Evans, assistant presiding judge for the Superior Court, told commissioners during Tuesday’s budget workshop that proposed cuts to the court’s 2026 budget are so steep they would undermine the court’s ability to carry out constitutionally required duties.
Evans said Superior Court’s operating budget is roughly $7 million to $7.5 million and that a reduction of about $1.5 million — a 20–24% cut in some scenarios presented by finance staff — would force the court to eliminate court…
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