Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution confirming the Municipal Court Judge’s annual evaluation and pay increase.
Body
DATE: April 9, 2024
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 2, 2024, the City Council met with Mr. Krishna for his annual performance evaluation and based on the majority consensus, the City Council discussed a six percent (6%) for cost-of-living increase in salary for a total annual salary of $153,700 for the presiding Municipal Court Judge.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends that the Council approve an increase of six percent (6%) for cost-of-living increase in salary for a total annual salary of $153,700 for the Municipal Court Judge, Kris Krishna based on the majority consensus reached at the Council workshop held on April 2, 2024.
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 revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The estimated additional cost in FY 2024 is $5,164. The Municipal Court Judge’s current annual salary is $145,000. A six percent (6%) increase for cost of living will bring salary to $153,700. The approved salary and associated wage-based benefits will be included in future budgets.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
This is a recurring expenditure.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the General Fund Municipal Court accounts 010-5015-417.40-05 through 010-5015-417.40-89.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Council approve an increase of six percent (6%) for cost-of-living increase in salary for a total annual salary of $153,700 for the Municipal Court Judge, Kris Krishna, based on the majority consensus reached at the Council workshop held on April 2, 2024.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Finance
City Attorney
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Evaluation Letter