Peoria Presiding Judge George Anagnost has notified City Council of his plans to retire effective March 1, 2024.
Judge Anagnost has led the Peoria Municipal Court for more than 29 years, beginning service to the city in May 1994.
“It has been a tremendous honor to lead the Peoria Municipal Court as its first full-time presiding judge,” said Judge Anagnost. “Over my decades with this court I have had the pleasure to work with outstanding Mayors and City Councilmembers, City Managers, department heads, assistant judges, and tremendous court administrators and staff, all committed to serving the entire Peoria community with pride, fairness and unwavering dedication.”
“Judge Anagnost has served our city very well, displaying judicial temperament of caring and compassion from the bench,” said Mayor Jason Beck. “Peoria’s City Council appreciates his long-standing service to our city and wishes him the very best in his retirement.”
Recruitment for the next Peoria Presiding Judge closes on February 21. Applications and resumes from qualified applicants will be reviewed by the Peoria Judicial and Public Defender Advisory Board beginning February 22. The Board will then forward up to five applicants to be interviewed by the City Manager. Following those interviews, the City Manager will recommend an applicant or applicants for City Council to consider for appointment.
The Municipal Court handles criminal misdemeanors, traffic violations, city code violations, injunctions prohibiting harassment and orders of protection in Peoria.