Agenda Item #
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
February 26, 2013
Agenda Report #
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Juvenile Court Reorganization
INITIATED: Juvenile Court
Recommendation: Approve an ordinance amending the Columbus Consolidated
Government Pay and Classification Plan by creating a new position, Custody
Investigator and Judicial Review Coordinator, Grade 16 in the Juvenile Court
and deleting one Administrative Secretary, Grade 10 and one part-time Support
Clerk, Grade 7.
Background: At the direction of the Superior Court, the mission of the
Juvenile Court has evolved from mostly juvenile criminal and behavioral issues
to a family court with jurisdiction over complex child custody issues. While
the court previously functioned well with the current staff demographics, the
new mission requires a higher degree of professional credentials to
investigate, evaluate and make recommendations in complex child custody cases.
The individual in this role is now more active in the legal processes, must be
able to provide testimony as an expert witness in his/her field and compose
intricate court orders for consideration and approval by the court. The
proposed new position of Custody Investigator and Judicial Review Coordinator
requires a Master?s Degree in an appropriate field of study, while the
positions recommended for deletion only require a high school diploma.
Analysis: The proposed reorganization is designed to improve the efficiency
and professionalism of the Juvenile Court by redistributing clerical functions
to existing staff while adding professional qualifications to a key position in
court operations.
Financial Considerations: The proposed reorganization increases annual payroll
costs by $1831.64, including benefits. The additional $457.91 for FY13 will be
transferred from the operating funds of the court. The additional funding for
FY14 is being requested from the Georgia Division of Family and Children?s
Services. Approval of the additional funding is anticipated because of the
increase in depravation hearings experienced by the court and recognition by
DFCS of the importance of the requested professional staff upgrade.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: There is no projected annual fiscal
impact to the CCG as funding from DFCS is anticipated. If this funding does
not materialize the Juvenile Court will request the additional funding in its
FY14 budget request and if unsuccessful will cover the shortfall from operating
funds.
Legal: Authorization of Council to amend the pay and classification plan is
required.
Recommendation/Actions: The Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court and the Senior
Judge of Superior Court recommend the proposed reorganization.
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