Kentucky judicial branch restructure will save $5M annually due to these changes
The Kentucky Judicial Branch’s Office of Statewide Programs is restructuring to save an estimated $5 million a year, and will create more than 100 jobs, though the office expects to suffer a net loss of 60 jobs as a result of budget changes, the office of the Administrative Courts announced Monday.
The reorganization comes as part of differences in funding the court system received from the General Assembly in the state budget, which covers the next two fiscal years. Job creation, job loss and operational changes are intended to “eliminate redundant levels of supervision and implement a regional service model,” according to a news release from the Administrative Office of the Courts.
In the release, State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert said the changes put the entire branch in a better position to support statewide operations and respond effectively to the needs of all courts.
“While change is difficult, we took this opportunity to review and strengthen the structure of Statewide Programs in a way that broadens frontline services, improves organizational efficiency and ensures resources remain focused on work performed daily in courtrooms and clerk’s offices,” she said.
Across its Office of Statewide Programs — which includes the Department of Family and Juvenile Services, the Department of Specialty Courts and the Department of Pretrial Services — 109 positions focused on frontline services will be created with a net loss of 60 positions, meaning about 170 jobs will be eliminated.
According to the release, eligible employees have already received job placement offers in order of seniority and a competitive hiring process has begun for the newly established jobs. By the end of June 1, the court system anticipates posting 54 jobs internally, including the new positions necessary to support the new structure.
In an email sent to staff May 15 and shared with the Herald-Leader that first announced the changes, Lambert said court operations will remain largely the same, but positions and programs must be cut to ensure the court’s financial longevity.
She said the judicial branch anticipated a general fund deficit of more than $12 million in fiscal year 2027 and up to $17 million in fiscal year 2028.
Specialty Courts, such as the drug and mental health courts, are being revised to improve financial sustainability. That entails shifting the cost of some treatment services to recipients and health care providers. Some specialized positions are being eliminated in favor of frontline employees who report to one regional supervisor.
The changes made to programs managed by the Department of Family and Juvenile Services are also a response to legislation. Second- and third-shift court designated worker positions are being created for complaint processing, allowing the department to provide all-day coverage and reduce other staffing burdens.
Restructuring in Pretrial Services is meant to improve communication, staff competency and the quality of information provided to judges setting bail. A new regional model for the department will eliminate specialized positions and put greater emphasis on expanding and supporting frontline workers.
Changes follow the passage of House Bill 504, the bill that funds the court system for the next two years.
For the current fiscal year, the judicial branch is expected to get $466 million, not counting federal funds or restricted funds it collects for specific purposes.
The next judicial budget will give the state courts $480 million in fiscal year 2027 and $497 million in fiscal year 2028.
In the judicial branch’s original budget request, it recommended $562 million for 2027 and $574 million for 2028.
In April, Lambert warned the state’s courts could face major cuts under the proposed budget. Thanks to the advocacy of the court system’s employees and others, lawmakers put an additional $5 million more into its operating budget, though it still wasn’t as much as requested.
“We are grateful that the enacted version of HB 504 will ultimately permit us to continue Specialty Courts programs across the state,” Lambert said in the news release. “The bill, however, did not include all the additional funding necessary to maintain current service levels and operations. We have undertaken the difficult work of aligning our operations and services with the funding provided.
“These efforts will help ensure statewide programs, including Specialty Courts, remain sustainable and continue serving Kentuckians for years to come.”
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