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Oakland County approves new probate court clerk‑coordinator to improve training and continuity
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Summary
The board approved creation of a full‑time probate court clerk coordinator to provide training, onboarding and coverage for judicial-staff absences amid recent turnover in the courts; the measure passed unanimously in a recorded voice vote.
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to create one full‑time probate court clerk coordinator to support training, onboarding and coverage for judicial staff.
Court business manager Chris Budick told the board the probate court is experiencing turnover, with multiple incoming judges and staff transitions, and lacks a dedicated staff member to provide consistent training. “We don’t have anybody who supports the judicial staff for training,” Budick said, adding that the position would back up chambers, help onboard new judges and cover staff vacancies.
Probate court administrator Edward Hutton said consistent training and uniform procedures would increase efficiency across chambers. “Just to have somebody… responsible for training our current staff and new staff as they come on board” will help get everyone “on the same page,” Hutton said.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing and the need for the role as the court adjusts to new judges and retirements. A public commenter, Jody White, urged that the coordinator’s duties include public‑facing accountability tools — quarterly reporting, a standardized handbook and transparency measures — so the position also addresses systemic problems, not just administrative coverage.
The board approved the creation of the position in a recorded vote, 4 yeas and 0 nays. No implementation timeline beyond the motion was specified at the meeting; staff said the role is intended to address near‑term onboarding and continuity needs while judges and other staff transition.
