SEYMOUR — The Indiana Supreme Court has officially ended a long-running budget dispute between the Jackson Circuit Court and the Jackson County Council. On February 11, 2026, the state’s highest court denied a petition from Circuit Judge Richard W. Poynter to review a lower court’s decision that struck down his mandated pay raises for court staff.
The ruling effectively upholds a 2024 order that prevented the judge from requiring the county to fund significant salary increases for his remaining employees.
The conflict began on November 23, 2023, when Judge Poynter issued an initial mandate to the Jackson County Council. Following the elimination of a fifth staff position, Poynter sought to increase the compensation of his four remaining employees, arguing they were performing the workload of five people.
On April 15, 2024, Poynter escalated the request by filing an amended mandate that proposed an even higher pay scale for the staff members.
Because the case involved a local judge and the county council, Special Judge Gregory F. Zoeller was appointed to oversee the proceedings. On October 15, 2024, Judge Zoeller ruled against Poynter, vacating the mandate.
Zoeller’s decision found that the county council was not legally obligated to fund the specific pay increases requested by the judge.
Judge Poynter petitioned the Indiana Supreme Court to review Zoeller’s decision, but the high court declined to take up the case this month. This denial brings the legal challenge to a close, affirming that the county council is not required to provide the mandated funds.
Timeline of the Case:
- Nov. 23, 2023: Judge Poynter issues original budget mandate.
- April 15, 2024: Poynter files amended mandate for higher pay scale.
- Oct. 15, 2024: Special Judge Zoeller vacates the mandate.
- Feb. 11, 2026: Indiana Supreme Court denies petition for review.
