The Special Called Commission Meeting for Shelby County on June 30, 2025, focused on critical funding requests for the County Department of Corrections and concerns from various county clerks regarding budget amendments.

Judge [Name] presented a compelling case for increased funding to support the magistrates, who have not received a pay raise in several years. The judge highlighted that current magistrates are handling a wide range of cases, including delinquency, civil matters, and child support, often with greater responsibilities than other non-elected judicial officers in the county. The request included a pay increase for magistrates to ensure they feel valued and remain in their positions, as well as the addition of two new magistrates to address ongoing capacity issues in the court system. The judge emphasized that the addition of these magistrates could significantly increase the court's capacity to handle cases, projecting an increase of 212 cases per week.

Additionally, the judge requested that the county cover a portion of the Department of Human Services grant, which would allow magistrates to manage more child support cases effectively. The total cost for these requests was estimated at approximately $713,565, which the judge argued is a necessary investment to maintain the quality of judicial services in Shelby County.

Following the judge's presentation, Clerk Eddie Jones expressed frustration over a lack of clarity regarding budget amendments. He noted that without proper documentation or exhibits to review, it was challenging for him and other clerks to understand the implications of the changes being made. Jones called for better communication and transparency in the budget process to ensure that all elected officials are informed and can effectively advocate for their offices.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for adequate funding in the judicial system and highlighted the importance of clear communication among county officials as they navigate budgetary changes. The commission's next steps will likely involve further discussions on the funding requests and addressing the concerns raised by the clerks.