Council workshop adds part‑time municipal judge, schedules budget readings with possible 2% millage option

The City Council reviewed a draft municipal budget that includes adding a part‑time municipal judge and moving bond court responsibilities back to the city rather than relying on a monthly county contract. Staff said the budget now contains funding for that new judge but the candidate has not yet been hired.

Councilors also set the budget process timeline: first reading at the May meeting and a second reading — with a public hearing — on June 1. A council member asked that the finance committee meet between readings to review recommended changes. That member also asked council to consider an option to increase the millage by 2 percent; staff noted that adopting such a change would require preparing alternate budget versions and additional votes.

Why this matters: the proposed judge would replace recurring payments to county judges for monthly bond court sessions, shifting that recurring expense into a city payroll line. The schedule for first and second readings and the request for a finance‑committee review sets the timeline for final council action, public input and any further adjustments to rates or spending.

Details: the workshop discussion covered multiple fund lines across general and utility funds. Staff said the draft keeps many headcounts flat while shifting a handful of positions between funds to reflect actual duties. Funding designations that previously went to outside organizations — such as event support that had been billed through Main Street — are being retitled or split so some portions will appear under city staffing lines.

The council did not take a final vote on the budget at the workshop. The item will appear for first reading at the May meeting and be considered for second reading and a public hearing on June 1. The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn was moved and seconded; the chair called for those in favor to say "I."