Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Compensation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board tables resolution on magistrate judges' on-call hours after extended debate
Summary
Discussion over how many on-call hours to certify for part-time magistrate judges ended with the board tabling a resolution; the magistrate said he could justify 55 hours under current case law, but commissioners requested more data and scheduled a follow-up meeting with judges.
The Dawson County Board of Commissioners tabled a resolution concerning cost-of-living adjustments and supplements tied to certified on-call hours for magistrate judges during its Nov. 20 session.
Magistrate Judge Myers told the board he could "justify 55 hours" for part-time magistrate judges based on his reading of case law and the court's on-call schedule, which he said covers extended weekend blocks. Commissioners pressed for clarity on how frequently after-hours calls occur and asked staff whether phone-call and warrant timestamps could be tracked more accurately. A commissioner noted earlier statements that part-time magistrates may have been "overpaid" under prior methodology; Judge Myers said legal research by part-time judges persuaded him to revise his earlier view and support certification at the higher hour level.
The matter generated sustained questioning from multiple commissioners about past practices (20 hours, 28 hours) and how the county had implemented previous classifications; after discussion the board voted to table the resolution and scheduled a meeting with judges on Dec. 4 to collect additional data and reconcile methodology.
Votes and formal action: Motion to table passed (motion by Commissioner Turcotte, second by Commissioner Stowers); board set next review on Dec. 4.
