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DeKalb judges press committee for court reporters, security and digital case systems to reduce delays
Summary
Superior, state and magistrate court leaders told the Finance committee that court reporters, security staff, case management software and interpreters are required to reduce case delays and backlogs; the committee advanced near‑term funding requests and asked administration for implementation plans.
Judges and court leaders told the DeKalb County Finance, Audit and Budget Committee that staffing shortages and limited technology are contributing to case delays and backlogs across the county’s court system, and they urged the committee to fund reporters, security and a solicitor‑office case management system.
Superior Court Chief Judge Shondina Morris requested $1,141,167 for priority items including judicial security, two court reporters (one civil and one criminal), two interpreters and restoration of Project Pinnacle and accountability‑court funding. "We have to have court reporters, we have to have interpreters, and we have to have jurors," Morris said, stressing those items are required for court operations.
State Court Chief Judge Mike Jacobs outlined requests for a court administrator salary adjustment and additional clerk staffing to handle bench warrants, closing out older cases and other high‑volume tasks. Jacobs said division B currently has no funded court reporter positions for four judges and has relied on contract reporters; the division asked that two reporter positions be restored to the budget.
Solicitor‑general staff presented a $557,037 request for a case management system and digital evidence platform, plus related onboarding and migration costs. Commissioners and central staff questioned whether the software setup fee, implementation assistance and a project manager had been fully accounted for; the solicitor’s office confirmed the software cost included set‑up and migration items but staff said a project manager position may need further discussion.
Committee action and next steps
Members advanced funding for the solicitor general’s case management and digital‑evidence needs and approved the superior‑court near‑term package in concept; administration and the budget office were directed to return with detailed implementation plans and a vehicle/facility funding timeline within 30 days. Judges emphasized that quicker access to reporters and interpreters will reduce continuances, lower jail costs and speed case disposition.
Quotes and context
"If we delay cases, that further backlogs the system. You might have more folks in jail waiting longer, which of course we have to pay for, and these things compound," Judge Jacobs said, urging investment in reporters and administrative staffing.
The committee supported prioritizing items that reduce courtroom delays and asked the administration to provide hiring timelines, procurement plans for software and clarity about whether vehicle or facility needs should come from fleet or CIP funding.
What the committee requested
Staff to confirm exact line‑item costs for court reporters, interpreters and court administration; to confirm whether implementation consultants or project managers are included in the solicitor’s software request; and to return within 30 days with final estimated costs and a plan to align funding sources.
