Justice courts report rising caseloads, interpreter costs and aging courtroom recording equipment

Court administrators told the commission Oct. 2 that justice-court filings and interpreter usage have increased substantially, and that interpreter costs and certified-interpreter minimums are a growing budget pressure.

Court staff said interpreter demand has risen by roughly 30% and that interpreter fees and minimum-show-up requirements limit the county's ability to contain the expense: "interpreter matters... up what was up to 30% or something," a court presenter said. Staff explained that the county schedules days to use interpreters efficiently but that custody cases and new growth areas (for example, Vineyard and American Fork changes) have increased nonnegotiable demand.

Court technology and recording

Court staff also described a high-spec courtroom recording system purchased with federal COVID-era funds that the county now considers more capable than required (referred to by staff as a "Cadillac" system) and said one component (a mixer) is failing. Staff reported repair and replacement options and cited ballpark replacement numbers between roughly $36,500 per courtroom (one figure in the session) and $70,000 to $80,000 for a full replacement package depending on scope and tariffs.

Why it matters

Rising interpreter costs and mounting maintenance for specialized courtroom systems affect the judicial budget and staffing needs. Court staff said they have improved case-resolution speed and are performing well against state timeliness benchmarks, but they asked the commission to consider the interpreter and equipment needs in the coming budget cycle.

Next steps

Court staff will return with specific cost estimates for recording-system replacement options and a recommended approach to managing interpreter costs within the judicial budget.