Such action should bring financial benefits to the city, said City Manager Brandon Green. He explained that a November merging would bring an increase in net revenue of about $7,000 in the current 2009-2010 fiscal year, as well as in future years.
“The question we seem to have is whether we do this merge now or in 2012 (when the judge’s contract ends),” he said of Judge David Miller.
Green said the judge understands the economic benefits of merging, but expressed concern for the city’s court employees who will lose their jobs when the merge occurs.
Court revenue to the city is projected at about $34,000 in 2012-2013 fiscal year, Green said.
“The judge brought up some good points in keeping the justice court (within the city) but I feel strongly about moving it to the county Justice Center,” the city manager said.
“It is a tough thing to have to go through, and I have tried my best to run the numbers. I have nothing against the (current) court or the judge but looking at economics, I feel it is a benefit to move the court to the county.”
“We are being driven by the mighty dollar,” said council member Kris Christensen.
Perhaps some of the savings could be used to help pay for improvements to Nicholls Park, suggested council member Craig Hill.
Many council members also said it’s important to try to provide a severance package for employees who have worked with the court for many years. Those details and decisions will be determined later, it was decided.
The Davis County Commission unanimously approved the change in its Tuesday morning meeting.
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