In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the proposed amendment to Ordinance Number 03-11, which aims to increase the justice court staffing fee from $30 to $48, effective July 1, 2024. Jason Moll, presenting the ordinance, highlighted that the fee had not been updated since 2012, despite the ordinance stipulating annual reviews.

The increase, amounting to a 60% hike, is intended to support eight clerical and attorney positions within the county attorney's office and justice courts. Moll explained that the current fiscal year is projected to generate approximately $223,000 from the fee, while the total cost for these positions is around $604,000. The increase is expected to raise revenue to about $356,000, still leaving a significant gap that will require continued support from the general fund, which currently covers about 40% of the costs, up from 8-10% in 2012.

During the public hearing, concerns were raised regarding the substantial increase. Former supervisor Jerry Brownlow suggested a smaller increase could be more manageable, while former constable Ryan Reinhold questioned the appropriateness of funding the prosecutor's office through this fee, arguing it bypasses the usual budgetary process. Moll clarified that the fee increase is not intended to cover the entire cost of the activity and that the general fund will continue to supplement the budget.

The board acknowledged the need for a more incremental approach to fee adjustments in the future to avoid such significant increases. The ordinance is set to be voted on in the coming sessions, with officials emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate funding for essential court services while balancing the financial burden on the public.