The County Clerk and Register of Deeds told the Jackson County Board of Commissioners’ committee that demand for court-related services has risen and that staffing shortages have led to delays.

“As you know, the county clerk and register of deeds oversees court services,” the clerk said, and added that “personal protection orders have already surpassed last year's numbers,” along with higher counts of death certificates and CPLs. The office reported it is about a week behind in court services because of ongoing vacancies, and that turnover — about 20% — and aging technology have increased operational pressure.

The clerk described cross-training measures to maintain coverage across court divisions and said staff are scanning older case files, working weekly on a 2013 caseload backlog and coordinating storage and purging of records “as allowed by state statute.” She also thanked courthouse deputies and the Jackson City Police Department for security support.

On elections, the clerk said the office’s 2025 election cycle went smoothly, audits are scheduled for the November election, and the department is preparing for a busy 2026 cycle. Outreach efforts include voter education in schools, updated website and social media communications and outreach events. The clerk noted humorous write-in examples from young voters but said the office is focused on education and administration.

Committee members pressed for operational detail. Commissioner Pawlowski cited jury-report figures and noted a roughly 25% failure-to-appear rate after nearly 2,000 jurors were summoned; the clerk said switching from mailed envelopes to postcards improved visibility of jury summons and reiterated that the office works with jurors to excuse legitimate absences. The clerk confirmed the fine for failing to complete a jury questionnaire is $25.

The committee voted to receive the clerk’s report.