MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - How would you like to work half days all summer and still get your regular pay? Two Shelby County judges get to do it and you won't believe the reason why they can get away with it.
Everyone knows that in Memphis, summers sizzle. Most of us go to work no matter the temperature, but two Probate Court judges go on what's called "summer schedule."
"The Probate Court judges have taken summer schedule based on the temperature outside," said Probate Judge Karen Webster.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, probate judges don't hold afternoon court sessions.
Their excuse? When the courthouse was built in 1910 it didn't have air conditioning. Of course AC was installed decades ago, but Probate Court Clerk Paul Boyd says nothing changed.
"It's always been policy in this court and that's what we've continued doing," he said.
The probate judges handle things like wills and estates. Truth is you're paying them more than $150,000 a year to have an easy summer.
Judge Webster doesn't see a problem. "As long as we manage our dockets, that's what's required. As long as we are giving the taxpayers bang for their buck, that's what's required. As long as we are maintaining our sense of sanity."
Webster further defends the summer schedule, saying sometime lawyers can get an afternoon session if there is an emergency. "It's not necessarily preventing them or their clients from having their day in court; it's available during that time. We're just asking for some flexibility."
Truth is judges can do what they want. But using the hot weather excuse doesn't sit well with most taxpayers who work whether it rains, snows, shines, or when the thermometer hits 100 degrees.
