Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Courts Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Courts warn of major jury‑software replacement and rising transcript costs
Summary
Will County courts told the board that aging jury-management software may require a new system costing roughly $500,000–$800,000 over five years and that an appellate opinion could sharply increase court transcript costs beyond the department’s $18,000 budget.
The county’s courts office told the Will County Board that two cost pressures could push its 2027 budget above typical levels. The first is the county’s jury‑management software, purchased in 1995 and maintained by a vendor that has recently been acquired; the new owner intends to phase out support for the legacy product.
A courts representative told the board the office has had informal talks with vendors and that early 5‑year estimates range from about $500,000 to $800,000. The office said it will issue a formal RFP before choosing a replacement and asked the board to note the potential capital need.
The second pressure stems from a Third District appellate opinion that, according to the courts representative, requires courts to provide transcripts to petitioners who qualify for fee waivers where the transcript is relevant. The office said its current transcript budget is $18,000 and that the appellate decision could multiply demand and costs once the ruling is widely known. The court noted that judges will still determine which portions of a record are relevant, which may limit—but not eliminate—the added expense.
Board members asked for additional cost detail; the courts representative said the office will pursue an RFP and provide formal estimates when available. The board did not take action on the matter at the meeting.
