Judge Tim Kay to Retire From Lake Country Municipal Court Bench

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, The Waukesha Freeman reported that Lake Country Municipal Court Judge Tim Kay announced his upcoming retirement from the bench. The announcement did not specify an exact retirement date.

Judge Kay stated, “It has been the honor of my life to preside over the Lake Country Municipal Court,” expressing gratitude to the citizens for their trust and acknowledging his responsibility. He also expressed anticipation for the next chapter in his life and continued public service, while thanking his court clerks, staff, bailiffs, fellow judges, attorneys, and community members for their support.

Having served in the municipal court system for 40 years, Kay began as a prosecutor for the Town of Oconomowoc, Nashotah, and Oconomowoc Lake before being elected judge in 2012. He is currently serving his fourth term and has presided over approximately 196,000 cases as a judge.

Lake Country Municipal Court is identified as the largest joint municipal court in the state, encompassing western Waukesha County and parts of Washington and Jefferson counties. Currently, 22 jurisdictions belong to the court, with Palmyra and Delafield being the most recent additions. The court’s operations are funded entirely by court costs collected from citations, with a budget of approximately $400,000 derived from court fees.

Don Wiemer, administrator for the Lake Country Municipal Court, confirmed he had seen Kay’s press release but had not received direct communication from Kay regarding his retirement. Wiemer stated that the succession process is outlined in state statutes, where a temporary appointment by all municipalities in the court’s jurisdiction will fill the vacancy, followed by a special election to serve out the remainder of the term.

Mike Neimon, administrator for the Third Judicial Administrative District, said his office is ready to assist in lining up municipal judges to cover the vacancy on an interim basis.