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Willard council approves resolution to allow interim judges for city justice court
Summary
On March 20, 2025, the Willard City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-05, letting the mayor and city manager appoint temporary judges from a pre‑authorized list while the city searches for a permanent justice-court judge.
Willard City Council on March 20 approved Resolution 2025-05, authorizing the mayor and city manager to designate temporary judges to the Willard City Justice Court while the city seeks a permanent judge.
City Manager Jeremy Kimpton told the council that the measure followed advice from Jim Peters and is meant to ensure judicial continuity. "A temporary judge is required in Willard currently while they are seeking a permanent judge, which can take several months," Kimpton said. The resolution includes a list of twelve judges from which the mayor and city manager may appoint a temporary judge.
Councilmember Jacob Bodily praised one candidate by name, saying Judge Kevin Nelson "would be an excellent judge for Willard," and Chief Fielding said he has experience with several judges on the list and had no concerns. Bodily moved to approve the resolution; Councilmember Mike Braegger seconded. The council held a roll call vote and "all in favor" was recorded; the motion carried.
The resolution gives local officials a temporary appointment mechanism while the formal hiring process for a permanent justice-court judge proceeds. The council did not specify a timetable for hiring a permanent judge in the discussion recorded in the meeting minutes. The meeting adjourned immediately after the vote.
