Ordinance 2544-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

rodir ORDINANCE NO. 2544-01 AN ORDINANCE Relating to Municipal Judges, Amending Section 4 of Ordinance No. 1259-86, as amended by Section 2 of Ordinance No. 2228-97 (EMC 2.108.040). WHEREAS, the caseload and accompanying judicial duties in the Municipal Court have increased since the court's inception in 1986; and WHEREAS, there is an increasing need for judicial time in Everett Municipal Court due to the increased complexity of the cases heard; and WHEREAS, the City of Everett, by increasing the number of police officers, has stepped up enforcement against those who commit criminal acts in our community; and WHEREAS, the City Attorney is asking the Everett Municipal Court to hold convicted defendants more accountable for their actions; and WHEREAS, because the Everett Municipal Court Judges are holding convicted defendants more accountable for their crimes there is a need for additional judicial time to monitor sentences and probation issues; and WHEREAS, due to the police, City Attorney and Everett Municipal Court Judges holding convicted defendants more accountable, defendants are contesting more of the charges filed against them through motions, trials and appeals; and WHEREAS, increasing one of the Municipal Judge positions to full-time will benefit the citizens of the City of Everett by addressing the issues recited herein; and WHEREAS, the only anticipated cost of increasing one of the Municipal Judge positions to full-time is additional salary and benefits for that position; and WHEREAS, the Municipal Court has assured City Administration that any additional costs resulting from the enactment of this amendment shall be paid from surplus and increased probation fee collections; and