AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) - Splitting up a three-county judicial district in Georgia could cost millions of dollars, according to a cost analysis done by a judge.
Columbia County commissioners voted this month to pursue splitting from the Augusta Judicial Circuit so Columbia County could form its own district, the Augusta Chronicle reported. The current district has Columbia, Richmond and Burke counties.
“The issue needs to be studied,” saidRepublican state Sen. Lee Anderson of Grovetown, who has requested the most recent study of the workload of the circuit’s Superior Court judges.
Three of the current Superior Court judges live in Columbia County. According to the Dec. 4 report from the Judicial Council of Georgia to Anderson, the 2019 caseload of cases in Columbia County is within the range of accepted policy for three judges.
Splitting the district would require recommendation of the Judicial Council and approval of the General Assembly and governor.
An analysis prepared by Superior Court Judge Daniel J. Craig that concludes the split would cost additional millions for taxpayers. Craig holds a degree in accounting. Before becoming a judge, he was district attorney for 15 years and responsible for preparing budgets.
For every judge, there are public defenders, prosecutors, secretaries, administrative assistants, court reporters, law clerks, investigators, victim assistant professionals, courtroom security, clerks and coordinators. Costs include continuing education, license fees, computers and other electronic equipment and services, office space, fixtures, furniture and travel expenses.
The Augusta Chronicle sent a copy of Craig’s analysis to Columbia County Commission Chairman Doug Duncan.
“After a quick review of the analysis, we respectfully disagree with cost assumptions,” Duncan responded. “We believe there are many efficiencies that can be realized.”
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