Court staff presses commissioners for simple resolution to buy identifying jackets for bailiffs

Bailiff supervisors asked commissioners for guidance after being told a formal resolution might be needed to purchase jackets for jury and bailiff staff. Staff said the jackets would be county property (branded with a court logo) and used for identification, not a uniform allowance, and that the cost per jacket was modest.

Court staff described efforts to buy six to seven jackets at approximately $40–$60 each with embroidery costs. County auditors and commissioners discussed whether the jackets should be purchased as county-owned property (and tracked) or treated as reimbursable personal clothing. The county’s auditor advised that a line item in the court budget for “workwear” or a short resolution clarifying that the county owns the jackets would satisfy accounting and tax requirements.

Commissioners suggested the courts craft a draft resolution stating the jackets are county property, specifying who may wear them and clarifying replacement policy; once drafted it will be routed through the auditor’s office and returned to the board. Staff said money was available in the current budget and purchases were on hold pending written guidance.

Separately, the court asked about a broader uniform or personnel handbook; commissioners encouraged the court to work with human resources and the auditor on a department-level policy that reduces the need for ad hoc resolutions in the future.

No formal vote was required; commissioners directed staff to prepare a resolution that would permit county purchase and ownership of the jackets and to consult the auditor on accounting and replacement tracking.