ELDRED — Highland officials Tuesday evening were considering ways to fill the gap created by the resignation of Town Justice, Alan Hochhauser.

Hochhauser, who has become a manager for the U.S. Census in Middletown, earlier informed the town board that he was suspending his court work during the census. This month, the board accepted Hochhauser’s resignation, which had been effective as of February 1.

The other justice, Ed Heffron has taken over Hochhauser’s Monday evening court in addition to his own Thursday morning sessions.

Supervisor Allan Schadt said Heffron is willing to continue the double-duty. Other options included contracting with a justice from a neighboring town or the appointment of a new justice who, if not an attorney, would have to undergo a three-weekend training.

Attorney for the Town, former Justice and Supervisor Andrew Boyar said he was not interested in the job. Boyar said Heffron should be paid for the extra duty in the very active town court. "It’s a busy, busy, hard job…The justices earn their money," he said.