The Nevada Supreme Court stripped the Clark County clerk's office of its control over the Eighth Judicial District Court on Tuesday, ruling that the lower court has the "inherent authority to assume functions essential to the court."

The move to transfer control of the court to the court administrator was supported by 27 of the 33 district judges.

Chief District Judge Kathy Hardcastle pushed for the transfer of duties, saying the existing set-up is like "having your office manager work for a different company."

Hardcastle was not available for comment Tuesday.

Clark County Clerk Shirley Parraguirre had opposed the plan, expressing concerns that the integrity of court records could be compromised. Parraguirre, who has served as clerk since 1999, said she has refused judges' requests to amend court minutes.

She said transferring the authority to the court takes away the checks and balances from the system.

The Supreme Court ruling does not specify when the transfer will take place. It says the amendment will be adopted immediately and implemented when district court officials feel it is appropriate.

The court administrator will be permitted to hire an assistant to serve as the clerk of the court, the ruling says. The clerk will handle the processing of all pleadings and documents related to the court.

Overseeing court documents was the bulk of work for Parraguirre's staff. She will keep 65 of the 270 deputies she currently manages. The office will continue providing other noncourt services such as issuing marriage licenses and processing passports.

In a Tuesday e-mail, Parraguirre said she was surprised the Supreme Court permitted the rule change without the District Court "having to show how assuming the functions of clerk of court is essential to the operation of the courts."

Parraguirre, who was re-elected to her third term as county clerk this year, has been at odds with Hardcastle since the chief judge initially pitched the plan in April.

Parraguirre has previously said she believes Hardcastle requested the transfer of duties for personal reasons, adding that Hardcastle likes to be surrounded by "yes people." The clerk hoped that the court would explain the advantages of transferring services in an open hearing where she too could offer her side.

Hardcastle has said the change was bound to occur no matter who served as county clerk.