The Starke County Commissioners heard an update on the Knox City Court during their meeting Monday morning.
Starke County Attorney Justin Schramm advised the commissioners he has been in contact with Knox City Attorney Autumn Ferch and Knox Mayor Dennis Estok on drafting a local agreement. Both attorneys have confirmed the agreement has the county reimbursing the city for the costs of city court.
County Attorney Schramm stated the local agreement being drafted, if approved, will start in 2024.
It was mentioned the city council plans on having this done before their year end meeting Tuesday, December 27 where they will announce the future of Knox City Court moving forward.
During Monday’s commissioner meeting, the commissioners heard from County Council President Dave Pearman. Pearman asked the commissioners if they would entertain meeting in a special session between now and the end of the year in hopes of approving the agreement by the city council’s deadline. The commissioners stated they have yet to receive a copy of the agreement and would like adequate time to go over what is being put together.
Starke County Attorney Justin Schramm stated the commissioners have the final say in the matter. The county council will still need to approve things on their end but the final approval needed will have to come from the county commissioners.
