Clerk says court revenue exceeded projections and defends AB 320’s county fee changes

Stacy, the clerk of circuit court, reported the clerk’s office has reconciled court receipts and that revenues were about $23,000 over projections as of the October reporting period; she said the office will provide updated November figures at the next meeting.

Stacy outlined the clerk’s statutory responsibilities as the county clearinghouse for court funds and described work this year to recoup guardian ad litem and adversary-counsel fees. She said dedicated staff time has improved collection and that interim billing reminders to attorneys have become more frequent to capture revenues in the appropriate fiscal year.

On Assembly Bill 320 (AB 320): Stacy said the bill and its Senate companion would increase certain court fees that counties retain and that the Wisconsin County Association is supporting the change. She disputed assertions that the bill would be disproportionately harmful to indigent filers, noting that existing statutory waiver mechanisms allow judges to waive fees in eligible cases, and she said fees are not assessed in domestic-abuse or child-abuse restraining-order cases where violence is alleged.

Why it matters: Changes to court fees affect county revenue and access to justice. Clerk’s comments suggest counties could see sustained revenue increases if AB 320 or similar legislation is enacted, while advocates have expressed concerns about the impact of fee changes on low‑income filers.

Next steps: Stacy indicated she may draft a resolution requesting the county board take a position on the bill if committee members think it appropriate; the clerk’s office will continue to reconcile monthly reports and present updated fiscal figures.