Friday, July 23, 2021
By David Jenkins/Standard Democrat
SIKESTON After a heated, nearly two-hour discussion Thursday evening, the Sikeston City Council voted to move municipal court functions to the circuit courts of Scott and New Madrid Counties.
Council approved the move by a vote of 5-2 after an intense debate between judges, citizens and city officials. Brandon Sparks and Onethia Williams both voted no on the measure.
The transferring of municipal court to the circuit courts will save the City of Sikeston in excess of $158,000 this year with the amount increasing each year thereafter. During the 2021 fiscal year, the city subsidized municipal court $42,644. Due to increased demands, decrease in fines and requirements of the Office of the State Courts Administrator, the city anticipates that amount in being in excess of $108,000 in the 2022 fiscal year.
John-graham
Ryan-merideth
Josh-underwood
David-dolan
Frank-marshall
Jim-mcmillen
Steven-burch
Karen-bailey
Steve-taylor
Richard-mcgill
Onethia-williams
Jonathan-douglass