Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Court Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Municipal court judges warn staffing shortages, backlog are stretching court resources
Summary
Municipal Court Judges Cassidy Blomgren and Mark Dunn and Court Supervisor Morgan Medvec told the commission that unique budget rules limit how court revenue can be used, vacancies and hiring delays are raising workload and wait times, and the recent end of a Pre-Release Center partnership is removing alternative sentencing options.
Municipal Court Judges Cassidy Blomgren and Mark Dunn and Court Supervisor Morgan Medvec briefed the Commission on July 21 about FY2027 budget pressures and operational impacts. Blomgren said the court’s budget differs from other departments because it "does not generate actual revenue that can be applied toward the budget," and that personnel and insurance are the primary budget drivers.
Blomgren said the court now runs two fully functioning courtrooms, which has reduced wait times for witnesses and defendants and improved staff morale. The department nonetheless faces three vacant court clerk positions and longer hiring timelines driven by more comprehensive background checks and credential verification; Medvec said the office is recruiting to fill up to three positions.
Both judges and staff said regional staffing shortages — particularly in prosecutors and public defenders — have lengthened time to counsel appointment and contributed to continuances. Judge Dunn noted that some defendants wait 30 to 60 days before legal counsel is assigned, which can complicate scheduling and speedy‑trial requirements for misdemeanor cases. He also warned that Montana law allowing some DUI sentences to be served on house arrest when incarceration would be detrimental to health may increase the length and complexity of sentencing hearings.
The court identified operational needs including a records request system and formal standing orders to standardize procedures for attorneys and defendants. Commissioners expressed support for adequate staffing and asked for further information on hiring market pressures and minimum-wage impacts as the budget moves toward a vote.
