Commission discusses state-driven litigation tax jump and options to round filing fee to even amount

A county official summarized recent changes to the litigation filing fee (itemized court costs) that increased the fee from $18 to $61.42 effective July 1 under a formula created by a 2008 resolution. The official said the $43.42 difference has created administrative burden for the clerk's office, which is handling coins and making change.

Kim Stewart (clerk's office deputy) was cited by a commissioner as raising the problem of small change after the increase. Commissioners and staff discussed whether the county had authority to round the fee and how the formula produces the non-rounded figure; staff said the computation relies on a formula tied to judges' salaries and other budget inputs.

Commissioners agreed it would be easier for the clerk's office to work with an even-dollar amount or an amount rounded to the quarter ($61.25) rather than $61.42. County staff advised that changing the fee would require a resolution; commissioners asked Aaron (staff member) to consult the clerk's office, prepare options, and bring a budget amendment or resolution to a future commission meeting for a vote. Several commissioners indicated January 1 would also be a reasonable effective date if the county wanted to align changes with other annual adjustments, but they did not make a formal change at this meeting.

The transcript records no vote on the litigation fee at this meeting; commissioners directed staff to return with a resolution and recommended consultation with the clerk's office before formal action.