New Cost-Splitting Agreement Could Bring Court Relocation Talks Back to Shelby

One of the chief barriers to relocation talks concerning the 41A District Court was reportedly overcome this week, meaning the court may move out of Shelby Township yet.

Representatives of Shelby and Macomb townships told The Macomb Daily that an agreement has been reached for the division of long-term costs associated with the court, specifically retiree health care and pensions.

These legacy costs have proved a major sticking point in relocation talks between the two communities, as Shelby Township’s liability for the costs has been estimated at $8 milllion.

As the court's host community is financially responsible for legacy costs, Macomb Township has been hesitant to welcome the institution with its multimillion-dollar burden.

While Macomb Township officials have been open to assuming costs incurred once the court is in their community, recent negotiations have focused on how the costs should be divided for employees who split their careers between Shelby and Macomb.

Shelby Township attorney Robert Huth told The Macomb Daily that the most recent agreement proposes a formula to share the costs. While this agreement is by no means a commitment to relocation, Shelby Township officials are expected to consider it at an upcoming board meeting, possibly Feb. 19. 

The 41A District Court serves Shelby and Macomb townships as well as Utica. Space limitations prompted talks of moving the building to Macomb Township in 2009. Early talks proposed the construction of a new court in Macomb Township's government center at 25 Mile and Broughton.