Commissioner Boyd Says Magistrates Should Get Big Raise After Ruling They Cannot Continue Civil Practice

  • Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Tim Boyd
Tim Boyd

County Commissioner Tim Boyd said county magistrates, who now make $65,000 per year, should get a big raise after they were informed they can no longer have a civil practice.

In the past, the magistrates have been told not to handle any criminal cases, but they are free to do civil matters. The state court system recently ruled that they are judges and cannot practice law on the side at all.

As a result, Commissioner Boyd said he has been comparing their pay to some in the county attorney's office who make $83,000 to $103,000. He said five court clerks make between $93,000 and $100,000.

Commissioner Boyd said, "They are on call 24/7. Their operation never shuts down."

The magistrates set bonds and sign warrants from a small office at the jail, where prisoners are booked.

He said higher pay would insure top-quality magistrates and also help the county avoid liability issues.

The plan is to raise two magistrates who come up for reappointment in May from $65,000 to $80,000 (if they are again chosen for the post).Adjustments would be made for the other magistrate spots as they come up for re-appointment. They are under one-year contracts.

Commissioner Jim Fields questioned the need for the move, noting that commission members have not been told that any magistrates plan to quit over the pay issue.

He said each time the job is advertised a number of candidates come forward.

Commissioner Graham said the magistrates already get pay increases when other county employees do. He said giving such a jump to one group of employees is unfair to others.

He suggested that the commission take a new look at the whole magistrate program. One idea, he said, is to have a single full-time chief magistrate who would utilize private attorneys to fill in when he or she is unable to cover.

 

Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 7/19/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) ALLISON,JACOB ... more

Driver Robert L. Lynn, 35, Dies As Vehicle Plunges Into Tennessee River At Highway 58
Driver Robert L. Lynn, 35, Dies As Vehicle Plunges Into Tennessee River At Highway 58
  • 7/18/2025

Sheriff deputies responded to the 6800 block of Highway 58 near Wolftever Bridge for the report of a vehicle crash with entrapment shortly after noon on Friday. Upon arrival, deputies located ... more

Man With Felony Record Found With Gun In Car That Almost Hit Officer Gets 37-Month Federal Sentence
  • 7/18/2025

A man with a felony record who almost struck a police officer while driving on June 23, 2024, has been sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison. Joseph Watkins appeared before Judge ... more