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Circuit and probate courts ask Kalamazoo County for roughly $300,000 to preserve 2025 service levels
Summary
Circuit and probate court representatives told commissioners the courts need roughly $300,000–$311,000 in additional 2026 operating funds to cover state-mandated cost increases and maintain current services.
Kalamazoo County circuit and probate court leaders asked the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 7 to allocate roughly $300,000 to $311,000 to the courts’ 2026 operating budget so they can sustain current service levels.
A court representative told commissioners the request is not for new programs or staff but to cover rising, mandatory costs imposed at the state level and inflation-driven price increases. Judges and court administrators urged the board to preserve staffing and operations, saying reductions would force cuts to services that affect community stability and public safety.
Judge Rebecca DeAngelo said the courts have not seen operating increases in about a decade and listed several state-driven cost pressures. “Transcription costs were just $1.75 a page; they are now $3.75 a page,” she said, adding that appellate-attorney costs and interpreter costs have risen and that filings for appeals have spiked: “In this last quarter we have seen a 44% increase in filings for appeals and reviews of cases.” She said those appeals and transcriptions are essential to defendants’ and victims’ access to justice.
A separate court representative said the courts also face steep growth in postage and other operational costs tied to statutory requirements. The representative said the courts have prepared a reorganization plan that could save money over time but that immediate funding is needed to avoid “draconian cuts” that would harm morale and service delivery.
Administrator Dr. Caitlin told the board she and Vice Chair Taylor had already reallocated some funds and corrected an ERP fringe-mapping error that freed roughly $500,000 in the general fund. Of that amount, she said, about $2.5 million is currently available to address budget requests; the administration earmarked $1.5 million for capital. She also said roughly $400,000 is currently set aside to pay for paternity establishment costs the state says the county must cover, reducing the portion available for other requests.
Commissioners pressed for line-item detail and possible offsets. They discussed vacancies and unfilled positions elsewhere in county government as one possible source of savings, and several commissioners said they want to preserve core court functions while continuing to look for efficiencies.
The board did not make a final appropriation on Oct. 7. Staff and commissioners agreed to continue budget deliberations and to consider the request alongside other 2026 priorities as the board prepares a final vote at its next meeting.
