Judges brief commissioners on proposed separation of Antrim County from 86th District Court; board directs staff to draft supporting resolution

Judge Bob Cooney and District Court Administrator Gwen Taylor updated the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners on proposed legislation that would separate Antrim County from the 86th District Court and create a new district (discussed as the 99th). They described the change as intended to rebalance judicial resources and reduce case delays in Antrim.

Taylor walked commissioners through the court’s staffing model, noting 3.6 FTEs currently funded by Antrim and 17 shared positions that allow operation across the three counties. The court presented an estimated annual cost shift to Grand Traverse County of about $153,150 and about $5,678 to Leelanau County if Antrim separates and stops funding its fully supported positions. The court also recommended a six-month delay between enactment and effective date to allow for personnel adjustments and budget planning.

Commissioners asked for clarification about layoffs, shared positions, and how cost-sharing is calculated (based on prior-year caseload percentages). Several commissioners expressed concern the separation may raise net costs for taxpayers; others noted it would increase judge availability in Grand Traverse County (the court estimates roughly four additional judge days per month locally).

After discussion, the board voted to direct county staff to work with the courts to draft a resolution expressing support for the legislative change (or to adopt a position of non-opposition), and to return a draft for consideration within 45 days. The vote passed by roll call.

What happens next: the court and county staff will work together to prepare a draft resolution to bring back to the board; commissioners also discussed whether to develop a public-resolution template or take 'no position.'