Linn County loses most court employees in district

The 6th Judicial District laid off 12 employees today, with 10.5 of those from Linn County.

Jones County lost 1.5 employees and Johnson, Benton and Iowa counties didn't have any layoffs because of existing vacancies that won't be filled. There are also three employees who will have their hours reduced.

Chief Judge Patrick Grady said he and Carroll Edmondson, district court administrator, had little discretion where to make cuts because it all came down to formulas and job classifications.

Grady said they have been working on this for about two months with the judicial council. They were working with different budget scenarios as information from the Supreme Court changed.

Initially, Chief Justice Ternus planned to cut 10 percent from the budget but since the judicial branch is a separate branch of government, she felt a 7.1 percent was prudent.

“This has been a draining process,” Grady said. “It's been sad and now we have to pick up the pieces and try to move forward.”

The overall 10 vacant positions and four retirements somewhat lessened the layoffs but with less people it makes it more difficult to serve the public, Grady said. The early closings of 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays will cause delays in case rulings, he said.

Speculation on layoffs affecting court reporters was less than most thought. The district lost only two but early this year two others were laid off.

Jolene Hackert, a Linn County criminal clerk, said she was worried all morning because she had the least seniority. “It was an emotional day. I'm thankful to have a job but sad for those who don't.”

Kelly Edwards, a Linn County civil clerk, said there were lots of tears shed. “It breaks my heart to see people go.”

Sylvia Dawson, a Linn County criminal clerk, said it's been a rough day and her “heart aches for those who lost their jobs.”

Some in the clerk's office said they weren't celebrating tonight because for the first time this week they could sleep.