Court asks for more help

Barrow County Magistrate Court Judge June Davis told the Barrow County Board of Commissioners last week that without additional clerical help in the upcoming fiscal year, she would be forced to cut her court’s services to the public.

She had previously asked the board’s budget committee to approve a fourth full-time position, but later reduced that to a part-time clerk who would be paid $10 an hour and work 30 hours each week at an annual cost of about $15,900.

However, commissioner Billy Parks told Davis that the budget committee had approved no new part-time or full-time positions.

With her court’s caseload nearly doubling over the past year, Davis asked the commissioners for guidance on how her staff of three could meet the state’s mandatory filing deadlines. When no advice was forthcoming, she informed the commissioners that she would have to cut services.

After the hearing, commissioner Steve Worley said that although the board did not immediately approve the additional funding, he is still considering the judge’s request and would bring it up for consideration at the Sept. 27 meeting where the BOC is to adopt the final budget.

Comments

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#1 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 05:12 PM [Reply]

I do believe Judge Davis is "on call" 24/7, yet is not given the use of a county vehicle. How is this fair?

#1.1 Victor on 09/20/11 at 12:48 AM [Reply]

She could certainly buy one out of her budget (just like every other county department) and drive it all she wants.

#2 Anonymous on 09/19/11 at 07:58 PM [Reply]

I agree with you June is always working even on her weekends off.

#3 Thanks to fair judges on 09/20/11 at 05:23 AM [Reply]

well at least the court is trying to make due with what they have.
Maybe if the sheriffs dept didnt have to fill the Motel they built for so much money, the court wouldnt be clogged with so many cases and the judges wouldn;t have to dismiss so many.
or P ATTY offer settlements that drop charges but in the letters claim they have good case when it really is crap case.

#3.1 Really on 09/20/11 at 07:48 AM [Reply]

"Maybe if the sheriffs dept didnt have to fill the Motel they built for so much money, the court wouldnt be clogged with so many cases and the judges wouldn;t have to dismiss so many"

Yet you will be same citizen that complains when your car is broken into. We don't HAVE to fill the "motel", we do it so citizens who actually appreciate us can feel safe in the community. Unless of course, your one of the ones occupying one of our rooms, then, I can see where your hostility comes in. Just saying.

#4 fair on 09/20/11 at 07:25 AM [Reply]

quit doing city court stuff on county time. that woud free up county time. budget figured out.

#5 claudia on 09/20/11 at 07:42 AM [Reply]

I wonder where is that extra revenue going to? Where is the accountability?

#6 Really on 09/20/11 at 07:56 AM [Reply]

#4 fair on 09/20/11 at 07:25 AM [Reply]
quit doing city court stuff on county time. that woud free up county time. budget figured out.

And you have proof she is doing this, if so we would love to hear it. If so, you may want to call the GBI to investigate because this would be illegal. Violation of oath of office, among a few others. You and I both know this isn't true. How about getting facts before posting crazy accusations.

#6.1 go see on 09/20/11 at 12:49 PM [Reply]

go on a friday into the county courthouse and you will see City court being held by her. huh

#6.2 Really on 09/20/11 at 03:23 PM [Reply]

And you know for a fact that it is city court? And, if it is city court, it had to have been approved by the BOC, so she is still not doing anything wrong. Most likely, if it is happening, the city is paying the county for it's usage. Either way, June is doing nothing wrong.

#6.2.1 Not a supporter of the Davis train... on 09/20/11 at 07:47 PM [Reply]

What's the deal with the defense of a mag judge who makes the rules up as they go? Wow where's the support for other elected officials when they do as they please? Like yearwood, the sheriff, Worley, etc? Looks like this Judge Davis character is Good ole boy too. Wake up Barrow county and elect a mag judge who actually does the job and doesn't need an amendment every 3 months because she goes over her budget. It would be nice of her office staff to answer the phone and have a smile on their face when they had to help ya at the window. Vote ALL incumbents out in 2012!! Hopefully someone will go against this judge with vigor and beat the good ole boy system!!

#6.2.1.1 Anonymous on 09/20/11 at 08:42 PM [Reply]

Maybe you need to run for a elected position. Seems you have all the answers.

#7 AnonyMouse on 09/20/11 at 08:27 AM [Reply]

Some people have too much time on their hands...

#8 TickedOff on 09/20/11 at 09:05 AM [Reply]

Kinda funny isnt it. After the 2 million dollar mistake was discovered, everyone wants a little piece of it. Oddly enough, ole Danny is still trying to manage things and save us money. Park them cars.If its good enough for Cherokee Co. its good enough for Barrow Co.

#9 james on 09/20/11 at 09:29 AM [Reply]

been here 16 years barrow has grown and so has crime ...just on my street,,, this year alone ,,double stabbing ,,and 6 ppl on this street on probation and one on parole ,,, and he cut that dept. 10% at the start ,,, cut anymore and you will see,, and this take home car thing ,,theses deputy,s are doing all this and get the pay of a buger flipers ,,, lets give them a ride home ,,,,DO THE RIGHT THING or next time you need 911 drive your self to police dept

#10 TickedOff on 09/20/11 at 09:49 AM [Reply]

Do you own a gun James? If so do you have a permit to tote? Its amazing what that will do as a deterrent.

#10.1 Are you kidding on 09/20/11 at 10:02 AM [Reply]

Your not lying about that. Sounds like he needs two. As long as you don't conceal it, don't worry about the permit. Good Luck though.

#11 BLINDED BY THE LIGHT! on 09/21/11 at 02:43 AM [Reply]

Good Grief Charlie Brown! Four hundred cases per month
times ten years equals half the counties population
facing judgement in this time frame. Yes, there is a
problem. Can you figure it out? Pull over BOY!

***(She said the issue became more urgent this year after
the Georgia General Assembly significantly raised filing
fees for cases filed in Superior Court. That led to
a greater influx of cases in her lower court and Davis
said her court’s caseload rose from an average of 216
new cases per month to 400 new cases per month.)***

#12 james on 09/21/11 at 06:03 AM [Reply]

armed and ready

#13 BLINDED BY THE LIGHT on 09/21/11 at 06:33 AM [Reply]

I highly suggest for those whom are,(armed and ready),
know the laws of firearms ownership as well as when
"deadly force" being used is an option. If not, you
could easily be charged with murder.Deadly force is used
as the last and only means as to defend life or property.
If someone steals your Barrow Journal paper, I would not shoot them. O'tay!

*** In keeping within the forum, I believe far to many
cases in Barrow County should have never made it into
"our" court system. There are such things as stern
warnings and in some cases, guardian contacts to resolve
lessor issues.***

#13.1 Jack Legg on 09/21/11 at 08:38 AM [Reply]

I will share something my family foundout about magistrate court several years ago.Many, many people are under the impression that the magistrate court is something of a "peoples court". I dont mean some goofy tv show, but a place where the common man can go and let his side be heard without having to have an expensive lawyer.That is a false impression, whoever has the lawyer is going to win and its decided before the proceeding begin.If you dont believe me then go and watch, many times the judge wont even let the person speak if he has no lawyer.
I realize this may sound like common sense to some people, but im talking about small claims when the expense of a lwayer seems a waste.I also know that a lot of the time in some of the minor crimminal cases that come before the magistrate, like super speeder tickets, D.U.I's , prescription pills not in the correct container and things like that . The cop who writes the ticket will tell the person, that theres no need for a lawyer, just show up and tell your side of the story.( hear that buzzer sounding?)
Do yourself a favor, hire a lawyer when you go to magistrate court, justice is bought and paid for by the highest bidder at this level also.

#13.2 Curious on 09/21/11 at 08:53 AM [Reply]

Curious about the cases that should have never made it to court. Please elaborate.

#14 Hmmmm on 09/21/11 at 09:01 AM [Reply]

Sounds to me we have a jailhouse lawyer here. First of all, Mag Court DOES NOT here super speeder, DUI or RX cases. RX. Cases are heard in Superior Court. The only time Mag Court is involved with these cases is for a Preliminary Hearing which is pretty much a bond hearing. As far as cops advising people NOT to get a lawyer maybe to try and save the driver some money. Hmmmm, 200 ticket, $5000 lawyer. Do the math. I will say however, if you know that you were not in the wrong and really believe that then ALWAYS get a lawyer.

#15 TickedOff on 09/21/11 at 10:51 AM [Reply]

Hey Blinded save us the liberal, anti-gun, lawyer speech. No one cares about your "highly" suggestions. I simply stated carrying a gun deters crime. Don't believe me, then why do officers tote? As far as shooting someone, it is a last resort, nevertheless it is a resort. Break in my house, put my family in harms way, threaten my life, or steal my paper and someone will meet Mr. Glock. I ll take my chances with the courts, it worked for Casey Anthony.

#15.1 Ruger Rules on 09/21/11 at 11:27 AM [Reply]

"Mr Glock" What is it with the love affair with these plastic guns? It's trendy. It's what cops carry. Whatever. Spare me.

#15.2 BLINDED BY THE LIGHT on 09/21/11 at 01:29 PM [Reply]

Mr. TickedOff, officers carry weapons to protect
themselves in life threatening situations in which
irresponsible gun "toters" are involved in criminal
activities such as firing thier "Mr. Glocks"
at a newspaper thief. Casey Anthony was not
standing at the curb with a smoking Mr Glock
in her hand. Thanks for your reply Mr.TickedOff.

***Hey Blinded save us the liberal, anti-gun,
lawyer speech. No one cares about your "highly"
suggestions. I simply stated carrying a gun
deters crime. Don't believe me, then why do officers
tote? As far as shooting someone, it is a last resort,
nevertheless it is a resort. Break in my house,
put my family in harms way, threaten my life,
or steal my paper and someone will meet Mr. Glock.
I ll take my chances with the courts, it worked
for Casey Anthony.***

#16 Citizen of Barrow County on 09/21/11 at 11:37 AM [Reply]

I believe they need more help. When calling there to find out about a child support payment they received 2 weeks ago, I was told "her office is in total disarray from shelves being installed". That was the excuse for not processing the child support payment.

#16.1 Humm on 09/23/11 at 10:00 AM [Reply]

Magistrate court doesn't handle child support, superior court does. Get a hold of superior Ct and then you will find your answers

#17 TickedOff on 09/21/11 at 01:46 PM [Reply]

Blinded you really are blind to a little humor.
I would not shoot at a newspaper thief. Officers carry their weapons to protect themselves as well as you and me from folks who are a risk to all be, it a gun, knife, ball bat, vehicle or any other object that is construed as a weapon. Im thankful they put their lives on the line daily. Why do you think armed officers are at football games, festivals, concerts, and other venues. To serve and protect. Disarm them and see what happens. The same goes for citizens and the right to bear arms. If we had more of it we'd have less crime. I chose Glock, but Mr. Ruger, Mr.Remington, Smith and Wesson, and Mr. Browning also reside at the same place I do. BTW I am not an officer. But I definitely appreciate each and every one of them.

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