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Council raises interpreter fee for defendants who fail to appear; three members dissent
Summary
The council finalized an ordinance increasing the fee assessed for interpreter services against defendants who fail to appear, drawing objections from members who said it could disproportionately affect non-English speakers.
The Aurora City Council voted 6–3 Monday to finalize an ordinance that raises an interpreter fee charged to defendants who fail to appear for trial.
Court Administrator Candace Atkinson presented the change, describing it as an update to the current ordinance to increase the fee. Atkinson said the fee was being increased from $35 to $95 "I believe," to be assessed against defendants who fail to appear for jury trial.
Council debate focused on whether the fee would disproportionately affect people who need interpreter services. Council Member Coombs said the fee could be discriminatory and urged colleagues not to pass an ordinance that would be a burden on people needing interpreters. Council Member Mario opposed the change, citing Aurora's diverse population and the large number of languages spoken in the city. Council Member Sunberg moved the item and the motion passed with six yes votes and three no votes from Council Members Coombs, Medina and Mario.
Supporters said the update reflected administrative needs; detractors warned it risked creating barriers for non-English speakers. The ordinance will change the amount charged under the city code for interpreter-related failures to appear; the council did not direct additional mitigation or exemption measures during the meeting.
The record shows council members asked for consideration of fairness and access at length, but the city did not identify an alternative funding source or a waiver process during the discussion.
