CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Cabarrus County Clerk of Courts Bill Baggs is facing a removal hearing scheduled for the 14th of this month.
The proceedings follow a judge’s finding of probable cause to move forward with a competency case against Baggs, who was re-elected to his post last month.
Baggs is in his 80s and currently lives in an assisted living facility. The complaint against him alleges that he can no longer perform his job and only visits the courthouse once or twice a week.
Baggs has worked for the county for more than 50 years, including the last 15 years as the Clerk of Courts.
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Juanita Boger-Allen, a retired Cabarrus County judge, said she is surprised by the removal proceedings. She has worked in the legal system for more than 26 years.
“It’s the first time I’ve heard of that. I’ve been in the system for over 26 years,” Boger-Allen said.
Boger-Allen described the position as the most important role in the courthouse because it serves as the first point of contact for the public.
“The role is essential, it’s probably the most important role in the courthouse, it is the first point of contact for the public,” Boger-Allen said.
She added that the clerk’s presence is vital for the efficiency of the court. “It is essential that the clerk is there, if everything is in place, everyone is in place, people are doing their roles, the system runs smoothly,” she said.
Baggs allowed photographs at his residence but declined to be interviewed on camera following advice from his attorney.
However, court records include a letter from a doctor who performed a cognitive assessment on February 5.
The doctor reported that Baggs scored a 30/30 on a Mini-Mental State Exam and stated that the clerk maintains decision-making capacity.
Parties seeking the removal of Baggs have subpoenaed courthouse badge scans, facility sign-out sheets, and medical records from the memory care unit where Baggs resides.
These records are intended to show how often the clerk leaves the assisted living facility to attend to his duties at the courthouse.
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