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Court official warns of back-to-back long trials; council advertises $30,000 for jurors and contract services
Summary
A court official briefed council on a heavy docket including a planned 10-day murder trial and asked for $10,000 for contract psychological evaluations and $20,000 for juror expenses; council approved advertising a combined $30,000 appropriation to be taken from the county general fund.
A court official (S12) told council the county is facing an unusually heavy schedule of jury trials and asked for additional appropriations to cover juror expenses and contract psychological evaluations. The official said they will begin a 10-day murder trial on July 21 and listed several multi-defendant and backup trials through November.
"I've never conducted a 10 day jury trial in my entire career," the court official said, explaining the additional juror per-diem costs that occur when trials exceed six days and the need for multiple contract psychiatric evaluations on higher-level felony cases.
Council discussed fund sources. The auditor and other officials confirmed available funds and options; council members moved to advertise $10,000 for contract services and $20,000 for juror expenses, to be taken from the county general fund, and the motion to advertise was seconded and carried.
Council members cautioned the official that jury per-diem rates increase after certain thresholds and that additional funds could be needed if trials extend further. The council directed staff to proceed with advertisement so the requested appropriations can return for final approval.
