Big changes have occurred when it comes to Justice Court in Uintah County. Uintah County issued a press release on Wednesday explaining the changes: On Monday December 21st, the Uintah County Commission passed a resolution to dissolve the Uintah County Justice Court and provided notification to Vernal City that Uintah County was going to transfer the Uintah County Justice Court to Vernal City. For the past year Uintah County and Vernal City had been looking into how to provide the Justice Court function in a more cost-effective way. It was determined that both the Uintah County Justice Court and the Vernal City Justice Court have less than a full-time caseload. With that information Uintah County and Vernal City contemplated combining the Justice Courts. The combining of the two Justice Courts would provide the same services all the while reducing the costs to both entities. In the resolution Vernal City will manage the Courts function and Uintah County will provide the courtroom and facility. Vernal City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, December 22nd, to determine if they were going to accept the interlocal agreement. The Council voted to accept the resolution to combine the Justice Courts. Vernal City will now notify the Utah State Office of the Courts of the agreement. The Utah State Office of the Courts will have 180 days to recognize the agreement. Vernal City may ask the Utah State Office of the Courts to shorten the required 180 days. After this time period ,Uintah County will transfer the Uintah County Justice Court to Vernal City. The Uintah County Commission noted that both Uintah County Justice Judge Georganna A. Petry and Vernal City Justice Court Judge Ray Richards are both qualified and in good standing with the Utah State Office of the Courts. The decision to dissolve the Uintah County Justice Court was financially based and not a result of their performance. Uintah County Justice Court Judge Georganna A. Petry has two years left on her term and will be paid for this time. The resolution to combine the Justice Courts is another example of Uintah County and Vernal City partnering together for the good of the community. The Uintah County Justice Court and Vernal City Justice Court will continue operating as normal until the Uintah County Justice Court is transferred to Vernal City. After the transfer all Justice Court matters will be heard in front of the Vernal City Justice Court located at 641 East 300 South #100, Vernal, Utah.
