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Superior Court Clerk says office understaffed, requests $15,000 for part-time help
Summary
Superior Court Clerk Tami Wade told commissioners on April 14 that her office has operated with three staff historically and needs about $15,000 for part-time coverage on court days; commissioners said countywide budget constraints may prevent immediate funding.
Superior Court Clerk Tami Wade told the commission at the April 14 public hearing she needs an additional part-time employee—about a $15,000 annual cost—to cover court days and keep the clerk's office open during training and jury sessions. Wade said she has historically operated with three staff and that by law her office must remain open during regular business hours: "I just need the additional staff for court days," she said.
Chairman Coffey and other commissioners responded that the county faces broader budget constraints and that no single office's needs can automatically be met without offsets. Coffey noted the commission must balance the requests of multiple elected officials with available funds and suggested alternatives such as waiting on additional revenue from HB581 or SPLOST. Wade told the board she "cannot wait a year" for relief, saying she would take "necessary steps" if funding is not forthcoming.
The exchange underscored a recurring theme in the April budget hearings: elected officials pressing for operational staff while the commission pushes for restraint or new revenue to avoid drawing reserves. The commission did not adopt Wade's funding request at the April 14 hearing; staff were asked to continue budget modeling.
