Michigan Senate to Vote on Consolidation of District Courts

On Dec. 5, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a package of bills that consolidated courts in areas of Wayne County, including Wyandotte, Riverview and Southgate. 

House Bill 5123 passed by a 67-42 vote, and will go before the Michigan Senate for a full vote on Jan. 8.

The bills call for a total of five additions and five reductions in judgeships in certain areas of the state. If passed by Michigan Senate, the bills would add four circuit court judgeships and one district court judgeship; and would reduce circuit court judgeships by four and district court judgeships by one, according to an unofficial analysis prepared by the nonpartisan House staff.

The changes result in a net change of zero additional judgeships to the state. 

For the 27th District Court in Wyandotte and Riverview, and 28th District Court in Southgate, the bill would consolidate these two courts, beginning Jan. 1, 2015. The total amount of judgeships would remain unchanged at two judges for the three cities of Southgate, Wyandotte and Riverview.

If this bill is passed by the Senate and signed into law, each city would be allowed to approve the court merger through a resolution by their governing bodies. If the consolidation is approved, the cities are in to save some money.

Wyandotte City Administrator Todd Drysdale could not be reached for comment. Judge Randy Kalmbach of the 27th District Court declined comment until more details are known, as did his Court Administrator, Stacie Nevalo.

Fiscal Impact

“The state pays for the salaries, payroll taxes, and retirement benefits for circuit and district court judges.  Fringe benefits, personnel costs, and costs for supplies, equipment, and space are paid for by the local court system,” the unofficial analysis said.

“Each circuit court judgeship costs the state $158,791.  This amount includes the circuit court judge’s salary of $139,919, payroll taxes of $9,078, and retirement costs of $9,794.  Each district court judgeship costs the state$157,005.  This amount includes the district court judge’s salary of $138,272, payroll taxes of $9,054, and retirement costs of $9,679.  Local costs vary from circuit to circuit and district to district.”

State Reps. Paul Clemente, whose district includes Wyandotte and Riverview, Andrew Kandrevas, Southgate, and Tom Leonard, who introduced the bill, could not be reached for comment.

County Impact 

The biggest cuts were enforced on the Wayne County Circuit Court with the removal of four judges, effective Jan. 1 2015. This would reduce the number of judges from 60 to 56.

“The recommendation to cut the seats comes from the Michigan Supreme Court, and is based on data that shows a decline in Wayne County felony cases.  There were 16,732 criminal cases filed in 2011, but only 13, 606 cases in 2012,” the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus reported.

Although crime was reduced by nearly 19 percent in Wayne County, some feel it was not due to less criminal activity but because budget cuts in police departments resulted in fewer arrests and, therefore, fewer prosecutors issuing warrants.

For a complete analysis of judgeship and court changes, check out a copy of the bill.