On Monday the Judiciary Committee confirmed 29 of the 30 new Superior Court judges nominated by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in what will be the last regular legislative session during his two terms as Connecticut’s governor. The committee delayed action on the 30th nominee, but confirmation is expected.

CTnewsjunkie calculated the annual cost to be $8.74 million.

Do Connecticut courts need 30 new judges? And would court efficiency improve if money directed to pay so many judges, among the highest paid employees in the state, was redirected toward support staff?

These are good questions. Unfortunately, no one seems to have good answers. That’s a problem.

Technically, Malloy has room to spare. State law that authorizes 185 Superior Court judges would allow Malloy to nominate another dozen judges.

But do those numbers make sense given that crime is down in Connecticut, with civil and family cases also trending lower?

Perhaps Connecticut’s courts could function with fewer full-time judges, given that 82 senior judges and trial referees — retired judges who work on a per diem basis while receiving their pensions — are hearing cases and overseeing settlement and plea bargain negotiations.

And as documented in a recent story by The Day’s court system reporter, Karen Florin, the Judicial Branch has faced deep staff reductions due to budget cuts. In January 2018, 3,972 people were working for judicial, down from 4,682 three years earlier. Without sufficient numbers of marshals to transport prisoners and provide security, clerks to process records, and court reporters to provide transcripts, these new judges could find themselves with plenty of down time.

Florin talked to two fiscal conservatives who were dubious about the investment in 30 new judges, but lack the information they need.

“I’m not sure who determines whether these positions are essential or not,” said Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton.

“I’m not sure where the balance is” between spending on judges and staff, conceded Rep. Doug Dubitsky, R-Chaplin.

The judiciary operates with independence, but the legislature sets its budget. A thorough evaluation of spending priorities is in order. The expected confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Richard A. Robinson as the new chief justice, and head of the Judicial Branch, makes the timing right. The state’s fiscal situation makes it a necessity.

The Day editorial board meets with political, business and community leaders to formulate editorial viewpoints. It is composed of President and Publisher Timothy Dwyer, Executive Editor Izaskun E. Larraneta, Owen Poole, copy editor, and Lisa McGinley, retired deputy managing editor. The board operates independently from The Day newsroom.