LaSalle County clerk warns tech grant cut will squeeze courtroom upgrades and add maintenance costs

Circuit Clerk Greg Vaquero told the LaSalle County Law and Justice Committee on Dec. 23 that a technology grant the office once received in the high six figures has been cut to $50,000 this year, a change he said will require local budgeting adjustments.

"If you remember a couple years ago, we got about $960,000," Vaquero said. "This year, they're doing across the board ... 50,000." He said the office will apply for the $50,000 but is continuing to appeal for additional aid.

Vaquero said the county relies on such grants for equipment, licensing and software and that an expiring three‑year credit on the case‑management system represents a near‑term budget hit of about $30,000. "That's a $30,000 hit for me," he said, adding that maintenance fees for existing and new systems can be substantial.

"Our maintenance fees just for a couple of my projects are over $80,000 a year," Vaquero said, noting that grants often cover capital purchases but not ongoing maintenance. He warned the committee that while the office expects to be solvent next year, ‘‘in a couple years down the road... we’re gonna be looking at whatever avenue we can to cut cost and increase whatever we can get from the state.’’

Lori, a member of court staff coordinating grants and projects, told the committee the Supreme Court’s recent grant decisions appear aimed at equalizing technology funding statewide and that local clerks will coordinate to prioritize the smaller award. She said the county will explore legislator grants and other funding sources and has discussed a courtroom audiovisual project as a candidate for the available funds.

Vaquero estimated a full courtroom upgrade can cost about $60,000, which would exceed this year’s single $50,000 award. He described steps the office has taken to reduce recurring costs, including adopting a shared electronic ticketing platform with several police agencies that lowers the county’s annual bill for that service.

The committee did not take action on the grant matter; Vaquero said the office will submit the application and return with budget options or potential requests to the county board if additional funds are needed.