Superior Court II judge, Dean Colvin presented the Marshall County Commissioner with a proposal to add a fourth court in the courthouse during their meeting Monday.
He said a meeting was held in September 2018 to discuss the overcrowding issue at the County Jail and the idea of an additional courtroom was brought up.
He then presenting a general history of the courts in Marshall County and began his explanation of why there is a need for a fourth court and judge. While the case load has increased the types of cases have also changed with many more criminal cases that civil ones.
Looking at the Weighted Case Load Study conducted by the state showed a need for a fourth courtroom as far back as 2009. With the current standards it shows that each of the three judged in Marshall County are carrying almost 25% more workload than is recommended. The survey shows a “severity need” and looking at the 16 counties with similar population we rank 4th in need and when looking at the entire state we are still ranked 23rd of the 93 counties.
Colvin said the last court expansion n Marshall County was in 1988 with the creation of Superior Court II.
Colvin has the support of the two other judges, Rob Bowen and Curt Palmer. He also spoke to the Marshall County Bar Association who is supportive of the idea.
Judge Colvin told the commissioners if they are interested in the expansion it takes the support of the Courts and Code Committee and then legislation to pass a bill. I the judge can get on the agenda of the Courts and Code Committee yet this summer and receives their support, a bill would have to be carried and passed to the reality is that an additional court wouldn’t happen until July of 2020.
Colvin said the committee will ask about the additional expense to the county since the state pays the judges. Marshall County is lucky to have a courtroom in the courthouse available so there would be no cost for space. Court Services is currently occupying the space and they would have to be relocated for the fourth court. The judge said the county would be responsible for the additional staff of an administrator, recorder, bailiff and receptionist.
It idea of a fourth courtroom and judge is not a fix for the overcrowding in the jail but it would be a help.
Commissioner Kevin Overmyer said, “It will take a combination of things to solve the issue.”
Commissioner Mike Delp said, “You have some pretty compelling information but I’m not ready to make a decision today. I have more questions to ask.”
Commissioner Stan Klotz asked the judge to present the information to the County Council because their support would be necessary to fund the additional staff.
While the commissioners didn’t take any action they were supportive of the idea and will discuss the proposal at their August 19th meeting.
