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Debate over Alderman Court revenue continues as council hears residents’ figures
Summary
Mayor Oliveras defended keeping Laurel’s Alderman Court; residents disputed revenue figures and urged the town to consider fines or comparative models after meeting numbers showed a decline in cases and divergent lost-revenue estimates.
The Town of Laurel Mayor & Council discussed the future and finances of the town’s Alderman Court on May 18, with competing data and public comment but no decision to change its status.
Mayor Carlos Oliveras read a statement asserting local benefits of retaining the Alderman Court, saying it keeps police and code personnel in the community, schedules trials when officers are on duty to reduce gaps, and reduces travel time for residents paying fines or attending trials. "It allows the police officers and code to remain within the community rather than traveling to J.P. Court," he stated.
Resident presenter Sharon Ardisana and other commenters disputed the court’s financial performance. Ardisana cited a decline in cases (41% in her report) and referenced a $9,000 lost-figure she reported; Town Manager Jamie Smith told the council the verified loss figure was $24,500 and that the court was realizing 38% of expected revenue as of the date of the meeting. Resident Lana Betts cited higher revenue figures from nearby municipal courts and urged the town to examine fines from those jurisdictions.
Council members discussed the data but did not vote to eliminate the Alderman Court. Councilman Lodato earlier moved to investigate revenue impacts if the town replaced the Alderman Court with J.P. Court; that motion failed 2-4. One resident urged the town to consider rescinding permitted uses or adjusting fines; no formal changes were made at the meeting.
