BELLAIRE — A new bill moving through Lansing could reshape court service operations in Northern Michigan. Lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow Antrim County to leave the 86th district court, which it currently shares with Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties.
County leaders say the shared district court has created various challenges for residents, specifically when it comes to traveling back and forth to Grand Traverse County for services. They argue that a district court specific to Antrim County would bring essential services closer to home and allow for more local control of budgeting, staffing, and scheduling.
Officials in the neighboring counties have pushed back, warning that a separation could raise costs and put pressure on existing staff. They argue the three-county model spreads expenses more efficiently and that a split could create new operational challenges.
Approval for the project is still working its way through legislation. The bill has passed committee and is on track for a second reading in the house, but the senate has not seen it.
Antrim County Deputy Administrator Janet Koch says the plan has been in the works for quite some time, with county staff and leaders working behind the scenes to ensure the project benefits residents in various ways.
If approved, Antrim County’s new court would allow judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement to work in close proximity, potentially expediting case processing. Leaders say they will continue to update the community as the legislation progresses through the state capital.