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Public Safety Committee backs draft resolution urging increased state support for circuit-court costs; asks for added language on DA and public-defender funding
Summary
The Public Safety Committee voted to forward a draft resolution urging the state to increase funding for county-shared circuit-court costs, and asked staff to draft additional language urging sufficient state funding specifically for district attorney offices and the State Public Defender.
The Marathon County Public Safety Committee voted on April 1 to forward a draft resolution to the County Board urging the State of Wisconsin to increase funding for county costs associated with operating the circuit courts, and asked staff to return in May with additional language specifically urging adequate state funding for district attorney offices and the State Public Defender.
Administrator Leonard summarized the background: the Criminal Justice Coalition — which includes the state public defender’s office, Wisconsin District Attorneys Association, the Department of Justice and the state courts director — submitted budget priorities asking the state to address funding shortfalls that have shifted more court-related costs to counties. Leonard said counties carry many costs for court operation (for example, clerk of court employees and facility costs) while the state directly funds judges, prosecutors and public defenders.
The draft resolution in the packet is based on language circulated by the Wisconsin Clerks of Circuit Court Association and by other counties. Kelly Schrempp, the clerk of circuit court, confirmed that the draft mirrors language circulated statewide. Committee members discussed the practical effect: Leonard said the draft requests an increase in state biennial funding (the draft references a statewide allocation figure used by other counties) so that counties could repurpose levy dollars now devoted to court operations to other county needs.
A motion was made to forward the draft resolution to the County Board with additional language encouraging the state to provide sufficient funding for county district attorney offices and for the State Public Defender (to address attorney staffing and private-appointment rates). The motion was seconded by Supervisor Nick. The committee passed the motion by voice vote (all said “aye”). Committee staff will draft the additional paragraphs and bring the amended resolution back for the committee to review in May before it goes to the County Board.
Ending: The committee approved forwarding the resolution for further drafting and review; staff will present a revised draft in May that adds language on DA and State Public Defender funding.
Votes at a glance - Motion to forward draft resolution urging increased state support for circuit-court funding to the County Board, with instruction to add language encouraging sufficient funding for county district attorney offices and the State Public Defender — Mover: Committee member (unnamed); Second: Supervisor Nick; Outcome: approved by voice vote (aye).
