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Local magistrates press for pay increases and explain no‑bond decision in recent shooting case
Summary
Justices of the peace and court staff asked for step‑pay increases and training funds; a local judge described magistration rules and explained why the bench sought a higher‑court no‑bond order after a recent shooting, citing constraints in Senate Bill 9.
Several justice court officials described heavy magistrate workloads, training needs and a request for step increases. One justice asked commissioners for a $5,000 step pay increase per judge to better align JP pay with counterparts in other counties, arguing that magistrate duties, weekend coverage and case complexity justify an increase.
Judge (Speaker 7) also reviewed magistration procedures after a recent shooting case, saying she considered imposing a no‑bond magistrate order but, because Senate Bill 9 narrowed JP no‑bond authority, the bench instead coordinated with higher court judges to place a no‑bond order. "I wanted to put a no bond on it, but Senate Bill 9 has changed," the judge said; she described the decision as a precaution to avoid procedural errors that could jeopardize prosecution.
Commissioners discussed available JP technology/training funds and asked judicial offices to submit training and capital outlay requests. Court staff said some small technology needs (computers, chairs) can be handled from existing JP technology lines and that the court will provide a detailed budget for step pay and training before final decisions.
Next steps: courts to submit formal budget requests for step pay, training and capital items; commissioners asked for statutory citation to confirm magistrate authorities and limits.
