Fowler Arthur Sponsors Legislation Advocating for Full-Time Judge in Ashtabula County

COLUMBUS-State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) provided testimony on House Bill 413 in the House Civil Justice Committee earlier this week. 

This legislation will replace two part-time judgeships in the Ashtabula County County Court with one full-time judge and would include the village of North Kingsville and the townships of Kingsville, Monroe, and Sheffield within the territorial jurisdiction of the Conneaut Municipal Court.

The requested change is in response to a court system review conducted by the Ohio Supreme Court last July. 

“The desire to consolidate was brought to my attention by the Ashtabula County Commissioners and our current judges, who have been in discussion for nearly two years about the caseload trends and respective judicial needs of Ashtabula County,” said Fowler Arthur. “It is estimated by the County Commissioners that this transition will save the county at least $267,000 annually.”

The bill sponsor says there have been several open forums for the general public with no opposition to the consolidation.

House Bill 413 awaits further consideration by the committee.