The City of Lakeland is seeking applications for the newly created position of municipal judge.
Link to the job description and application: https://www.lakelandtn.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=654
The to-be-hired magistrate would handle judicial matters within the City on cases involving violation of laws and ordinances. Also among the job duties would be to administer oaths, issue summons and subpoenas as necessary, report to the BOC (Board of Commissioners) and other duties as required.
In November there was a first reading on an ordinance amending Lakeland’s code to implement a City municipal court. At the time, Jim Atkinson, city manager, said the current process to deal with City code violations is lengthy. It starts with a courtesy citation and can go all the way to Shelby County Environmental Court.
“With our own municipal court, it would speed up the timetable. Most citizens take care of the issues but 10 to 15 percent don’t go so smoothly. It takes time to get on Judge (Larry) Potter’s docket and then the case can be continued,” said Mr. Atkinson last fall.
The ordinance amendment was approved in December.
