A Clarke County woman was sworn in Monday as acting municipal court clerk for the City of Marion, filling a position the city council voted to advertise publicly but that was never published, with an individual councilmembers apparently never voted to hire.
Helen L. McRand of Grove Hill took the oath of office on Monday, April 27, according to records filed the same day in Perry County Probate Court. Perry County District Judge Robert D. Bryant administered the oath. The filing was recorded in Official Bond Book K, Page 383, as Instrument No. 37756.
Concerns Regarding Appointment Process
The appointment has not been voted on at any council meeting since the council voted to advertise the position at the beginning of 2026.
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The council’s second monthly meeting set for April 20 was canceled.
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The matter did not come before the council for a vote at its April 6 meeting.
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The council has not met since.
The appointment raises the latest in an ongoing series of questions surrounding Marion’s municipal court, which has reportedly not held sessions since longtime clerk and magistrate Kristi Milner resigned in October 2024.
Administrative History and Records Requests
After Milner’s departure, City Clerk/Treasurer Laura Hinton took an oath on April 8, 2025, as acting court clerk. There does not appear to have been a vote of the council regarding that appointment. Hinton had completed five of six required classes for the magistrate certification program as of January 2026.
The Times-Standard-Herald submitted open records requests to the city on Dec. 2, 2025, seeking:
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Milner’s resignation letter.
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Minutes reflecting official council action on the vacancy.
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Job postings or advertisements for the position.
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Documents formally appointing or recognizing Hinton.
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Salary records and court dockets.
Laura Hinton acknowledged receipt on Dec. 19, citing year-end audits as a cause for delay. As of this report, no records have been produced.
Advertising Status
Following reporting by the Times-Standard-Herald, the council voted on Jan. 20 to advertise the positions of municipal court magistrate and municipal prosecutor. On Feb. 2, they voted specifically to advertise in the Times-Standard-Herald.
As of press time:
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No advertising order has been received by the paper.
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The city posted openings on its Facebook page in early February.
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The matter has not appeared for a vote on a council agenda since that time.
