Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution confirming the Municipal Court Judge’s annual evaluation and pay increase.
Summary
DATE: April 11, 2023
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Eva Bark, Executive Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Annual Evaluation and Pay Increase of Municipal Court Judge
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The position of Municipal Court Judge is currently filled by Kris Krishna. Kris Krishna has served in this capacity since April 11, 2022. Per City Charter Section 32, the City Council shall appoint a magistrate as a presiding judge for the court, and associates’ judges, as deemed necessary for the benefit and conduct of the court. Each judge shall be a competent and duly licensed attorney.
On April 4, 2023, the City Council met with Mr. Krishna for his annual performance evaluation and based on the majority consensus, the City Council discussed an increase of five percent (5%) for the cost of living and an additional 15.079% increase in salary for a total annual salary of $145,000 for the presiding Municipal Court Judge to be effective April 11, 2023.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Council can choose (1) to not approve an increase of five percent (5%) for the cost of living and an additional 15.079% increase in salary for a total annual salary of $145,000 or (2) to approve an increase of five percent (5%) for the cost of living and an additional 15.079% increase in salary for a total annual salary of $145,000.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends that the Council approve an increase of five percent (5%) for the cost of living and an additional 15.079% increase in salary for a total annual salary of $145,000 for the Municipal Court Judge, Kris Krishna based on the majority consensus reached at the Council workshop held on April 4, 2023.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
City Charter Section 32 provides that the governing body may appoint a magistrate as a presiding judge for the court, and associates’ judges, as deemed necessary for the benefit and conduct of the court. Each judge shall be a competent and duly licensed attorney.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The estimated additional cost in FY 2023 is $14,644. The Municipal Court Judge’s current annual salary is $120,000.19. A five percent (5%) increase in the cost of living will bring the salary to $126,000.19. An additional 15.079% increase in salary will bring the total annual salary to $145,000. The approved salary and associated wage-based benefits will be included in future budgets.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
This is a recurring expenditure.
Is this expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the General Fund Municipal Court accounts 010-2015-417.40-05 through 010-2015-417.40-89.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Council approve an increase of five percent (5%) for the cost of living and an additional 15.079% increase in salary for a total annual salary of $145,000.00 for the Municipal Court Judge, Kris Krishna, based on the majority consensus reached at the Council workshop held on April 4, 2023.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Evaluation Letter