COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Commissioners heard annual reports from Circuit Court Judge Bill O’Grady and from Friend of the Court Director and Referee Lona Julien on Tuesday afternoon.
O’Grady said the number of new cases in his court went up substantially in 2015 with 886 new filings and 969 dispositions.
He said the felonies in his court remained comparatively level to recent years but the seriousness and level of violence continues to be a concern. O’Grady said methamphetamine continues to be prevalent. In addition, heroin activity and sexual conduct have significantly increased.
Julien said one of her goals this year is to improve customer service.
Other goals include walk up windows in the lobby which will allow the parties involved to have easy access for payments and to meet with staff. Julien also wants to redesign the office space to provide for better resolution environments
The Friend of the Court is responsible for assisting in domestic relations cases.
