Council approves increase in interpreter fees to $90 for court services

The Aurora City Council is set to increase interpreter fees from $35 to $90 per session, a significant move aimed at addressing the rising costs associated with providing language services in the courtroom. This change, discussed during the Study Session on July 14, 2025, will apply to all Foreign Language Assistance (FLA) cases, not just trials.

Council members raised questions about the frequency of interpreter use in court. It was clarified that the number of interpreters brought in is based on the court docket, ensuring that language services are available as needed. However, the current fee structure has led to financial losses for the court, particularly when defendants fail to appear for scheduled hearings, resulting in costs that can exceed $800 for a single day of interpretation.

The court currently covers interpreter fees, except in specific jury trial scenarios where defendants are charged if they do not appear. The new fee structure aims to mitigate these losses and ensure that the court can continue to provide necessary language services without incurring excessive costs.

Council members also inquired about the implications of not having an interpreter present, which could delay trials. While such instances are rare, they can lead to continuations if an interpreter cannot be found for unusual languages.

This fee increase reflects the city's commitment to improving access to justice for non-English speakers while balancing the financial responsibilities of the court system. The council anticipates that this adjustment will help streamline operations and reduce the financial burden on the court.