By Sarah Mahan

The Selma Times-Journal 

MARION — In a meeting last week, members of the Marion Town Council voted to eliminate the town’s municipal court, but the decision was allegedly not done by the book and a vote may have to be held all over again.

Corin Harrison, Marion’s mayor pro tem, said the decision was made after the subject was unexpectedly brought up during the council meeting.

“[The subject] came up unexpectedly. We have been losing money on the court, and that is the main reason we voted to do away with it. If it goes through, [those that work for the municipal court] will have to search for a new job,” Harrison said. “[We] can’t just do away with the municipal court over night. There is a 90-day waiting period.”

The decision made by the council would affect how municipal cases would be heard in the town and the three-person staff of the court.

Patrick Arrington, Marion’s current municipal judge, explained where the court cases would be heard if the municipal court were to close.

“If by chance the city court is closed, those cases made there would more than likely be heard in district court,” Arrington said before adding the town’s municipal court is operating normally, in spite of the vote.

“After I was told of the [council’s decision], I was told that it did not carry through. So I am still holding court on our next court date,” he said.

Christy Miller, Marion’s magistrate, said the way the council voted on the issue is questionable.

“They put it up to vote spur of the moment. It was not brought about the correct way and it wasn’t done correctly. I am not sure if they are planning to do a revote,” she said.

Harrison preferred not to comment on why the decision may not have followed protocol.

“There is a possibility there could be a revote on the decision,” he said. “I would rather wait until we have the revote to comment, which I believe will be at the next council meeting.”

The next scheduled council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 5.