Delaware County magistrate position among state budget cuts

A Delaware County magistrate position is among eight being cut from the state budget to reduce costs. Cuts in seven counties are expected to save $1 million.

An Associated Press report says court officials hope to reduce the 550 magistrate judge positions by 10 percent. The Supreme Court says the eight positions on the chopping block are either already vacant or will be this year due to retirement and other reasons

Aside from Delware County, Berks, Lackawanna, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Snyder counties will see one position cut each. Allegheny County will lose two magistrate spots.

There are currently 25 Magesterial District Courts in Delaware County, nearly 50 in Allegheny, three in Snyder, fewer than 10 in Schuylkill, five in Northumberland, 11 in Lackawanna and fewer than 20 in Berks.