New Judge Means New Expense For Putnam County Budget

Putnam County and the 13th Judicial District will get a new Circuit Court Judge September 1 to help with increased workload.

Putnam County Circuit Court Clerk Jennifer Wilkerson told the County Budget Committee Thursday night said that means a new expense to the county.

“It’ll be another court date, another judge, more dockets, and more jury trials,” Wilkerson said. “I currently don’t have a staff to do that, so I don’t really have a choice. I’m going to have to staff that court.”

Wilkerson said the state said she should be ready for the new judge by September. A trial court vacancy committee will nominate three candidates, one to be selected by the Governor. A special election would then be held in two years.

“What they’re telling us is to be prepared for this new judge to take the bench and ready to start by September,” Wilkerson said.

The 13th Judicial District serves Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam and White counties

Wilkerson, one of four department heads to share budget information with the budget committee Thursday. County Clerk Wayne Nabors asked for an additional part time position. Register of Deeds John Sanders said he is trying to improve workflows and processes inside the department. Clerk and Master Linda Reeder requested additional raises for several employees.

The next Budget Committee meeting comes Tuesday May 30. County Commission Chair Ben Rodgers said that night will give committee members another chance to hear from department heads before deliberations begin in June.