SAFFORD — On Monday, the Graham County Board of Supervisors agreed unanimously to eliminate a staff position in the Superior Court, which will result in the layoff of one employee.
Court Administrator Josh Halversen told the board the assistant court administrator/court field trainer is no longer necessary.
“This is just in connection with the reorganization of positions due to my leaving, and the changing of some of those things,” Halversen said.
The board previously agreed, upon Halversen leaving the county in February, to split Halversen’s duties into two positions — court administrator and chief probation officer — which eliminates the need for an assistant.
However, it’s possible the court field trainer position could be recreated during 2024-25 budget talks this spring, especially since the Arizona Supreme Court provides funding for half the position’s salary, up to $25,000.
In background material provided to the board, it’s stated that Paul Allen, the current assistant court administrator/court field trainer, will be laid off effective Jan. 31 following the board’s vote to eliminate the position. He is eligible to apply for the soon-to-be vacant court administrator position, or any other open positions within the county.
In other action, the board voted unanimously to affirm Judge Michael Peterson’s recommendation that Travis Ragland, Jerry Landau and William Richardson be appointed judges pro tem for Graham County Superior Court.
Ragland will remain a full-time judge pro tem and receive a salary. Landau and Richardson will be called on when Peterson or Ragland have a conflict-of-interest in a case.
