Clerk proposes $115,000 one-time compensation from invested Odyssey funds; council raises precedent and budget concerns

Clerk of the Circuit Court Amy Rolfes asked the council to appropriate $115,000 from a money-market account funded by invested Odyssey (court) receipts to provide one-time, performance-based compensation to clerk-office employees. Rolfes said the fund’s principal was invested in 2022 and that interest income has covered monthly banking fees; she emphasized the appropriation would not use general-fund dollars and would not include the clerk.

"I would like to take a $115,000 of that," Rolfes said, explaining the money would be distributed based on supervisors’ performance evaluations and staff responsibilities. She said the account currently holds about $126,000 and that the t-bill maturities and interest will keep the account generating enough revenue to cover banking fees.

Council members expressed concerns about precedent — other departments have sought or may seek similar one-time allocations — and about long-term budget uncertainty for 2027–2028. One member suggested the county consider a countywide policy on bonuses. Auditor staff confirmed the clerk’s account funds originated from Odyssey receipts (fees and unclaimed receipts) and that the investment and use of interest had been coordinated with the State Board of Accounts.

After discussion, committee members moved bills 94-25 and 92-25E (the combined clerk appropriation) to the full council with no recommendation. The full council will decide whether to appropriate the funds.