Despite Concerns, Commissioners Approve Court ChangesDespite Concerns, Commissioners Approve Court Changes

2/19/14 - New duties are being assigned to some existing positions within the Livingston County court system as part of a combined effort to make things function more smoothly. However, some concerns were aired during last night's Board of Commissioners meeting before the approval. Commissioners approved appointing three existing law clerks within the 53rd District Court to serve as magistrates when necessary. Two separate resolutions approved would also give limited magistrate duties to a current attorney referee and a conciliator within Friend of the Court. Commissioner Ron VanHouten was absent from last night’s meeting while Commissioners Donald Parker and Steve Williams voted against the resolutions that involved the Friend of the Court employees, although Williams publicly expressed reservations with all of them. The changes allow for a sharing of duties between current positions for continuity of operations and to provide some back up and assistance to current judges with magistrate duties and after-hours, on-call scheduling during evenings and weekends. Williams said while he respects what the judges are trying to accomplish, he didn’t like it and wasn’t comfortable assigning the extra duties. Williams added he felt it would take time away from their Friend of the Court responsibilities that involve children and families going through very tough times in their lives and deserve expediency. Williams said it was his understanding that Carol Sue Reader and Theresa Brennan are only two judges that are currently on-call with Magistrate Jay Drick and everyone takes a rotation, with new appointees now being included. (JM)