Wilson County committee updates judicial fee not changed since 2008, raising per‑case amount to $61.42

Wilson County budget committee members voted to adopt a resolution updating a judicial fee used to fund general sessions judges, raising the per‑case charge from $18 to $61.42. The item, based on a formula tied to Tennessee Code Annotated and a spreadsheet calculation, had not been revised since 2008.

Speaker 6 explained the resolution’s purpose and mechanics, saying the fee is computed from an Excel worksheet that uses current salary numbers and statutory guidance. The committee heard that the fee is intended to be changed annually to track judge pay. Multiple members asked whether the change would apply to the upcoming tax or budget year; staff clarified it is intended to apply on the schedule described in the packet and to feed into next year’s budgeting process.

Committee members asked about the revenue implications of updating the fee. Speakers referenced the 2008 $18-per-case level and the new $61.42 figure. During the floor discussion Speaker 5 and Speaker 6 noted the county lost revenue by not updating the fee since 2008; an exact historical revenue shortfall was discussed but the transcript contains unclear figures on the dollar impact and committee members did not provide a precise, auditable total during the meeting.

After the discussion, Speaker 1 called for the motion; the resolution received a second and passed on a voice vote. The committee recorded the action as adoption of the resolution to reset the judicial fee.

The item was presented as a formulaic update tied to Tennessee Code Annotated and a county worksheet; committee members said they would include the revised fee in the next budget cycle. No formal roll‑call tally was recorded in the packet or on the transcript.