The Colorado Judicial Branch announced today that beginning Oct. 3 it will implement a hiring freeze in an effort to protect “taxpayers during this time of national economic uncertainty.”
“As one of the three co-equal branches of government, we are always mindful of the need to ensure taxpayers’ funds are used in the most effective and efficient manner possible,” said Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey. “Careful stewardship of those funds, particularly with thought to the future, becomes even more important in these difficult economic times.”
Mullarkey said judicial-branch managers will be permitted to finalize the hiring process only if a candidate has been offered and accepted a position by Oct. 3. Positions determined to have a direct and immediate effect on public safety, or the effective operation of the courts, may be approved for hire on an individual basis.
Robert McCallum, spokesman for the judicial branch, said officials do not believe the freeze will affect the functioning of the courts or slow down resolution of cases.
McCallum noted that in the two most recent fiscal years, a total of 20 district court judges have been hired after going through the rigorous Colorado judge-selection process. In addition, five county court judges and three Court of Appeals judges also were hired, he said.
“We were very pleased,” said McCallum. “It got us a lot of coverage in areas where we had experienced case growth.”
He said that beginning July 1, 2009, the judicial branch had planned to hire 12 more district court judges and three county court judges.
Mullarkey said judicial branch officials have been and will continue to be in close contact with legislative leaders and the governor’s office to monitor the state’s financial situation.
Over the coming weeks, the judicial branch will continue to monitor its budget and will make appropriate adjustments as necessary, officials said.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
