Concerns over staffing shortages in Johnson County's court system took center stage during the recent Special Commissioner's Court meeting. The discussion highlighted the urgent need for additional deputies and clerical support to manage the increasing number of evictions and court orders.

A key speaker emphasized that the current staffing levels are insufficient to handle the workload, stating, "I can only do 2 evictions a day. We're averaging 8 a week." The speaker called for two more deputies to be added to the day shift, explaining that the existing team is stretched thin, managing only statutory mandates of attending court and serving papers. The loss of reserve positions has exacerbated the situation, leaving the department struggling to function effectively.

The need for clerical support was also underscored, with one clerk currently handling an overwhelming amount of paperwork from four clerks in the Justice of the Peace court. The speaker noted, "We are behind," referencing recent issues with financial reporting due to the lack of adequate staffing.

The discussion revealed a broader context of challenges faced by the court system, with the speaker reflecting on insights gained from leadership classes about the complexities of court operations. The meeting concluded with a clear message: without additional resources, the court's ability to serve the community effectively is at risk.