Batesville Council continues City Court discussion

Batesville, IN — Batesville City Council resumed discussion Monday night on the viability of continuing to operate the City Court.

After a presentation by City Judge John Kellerman last month, council decided to give residents, business owners, and others the opportunity to voice their opinions on the matter.

City leaders say they received very few comments, but local attorney Blaine Timonera appeared before council and spoke in favor of keeping the City Court.

Timonera says it provides Batesville residents and others in surrounding communities a shorter track to the justice system, a lighter docket than those of courts in Ripley and Franklin counties, and clients save money on attorney fees when legal counsel does not have to travel to Versailles or Brookville.

Council will hold a first reading on an ordinance on the matter next month, with a second reading expected in November.

If the City Court is not dissolved, the City Judge position will be on the ballot when municipal races are voted on in November 2023.