2019-10-17 Prelim budget - 6-District Court2020 preliminary budget meeting: District Court
October 17, 2019
4:06 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik
Martin, Budget Services Manager Becky Butler, Judge RW Buzzard, Brittni Rogers
Citizens Budget Committee members: Frank Corbin, Paul Crowner, Bill Kassen, Bill Marshall, Bill Serrahn
Other guest(s): Lindsey Pollock
Recorder: Tamara Martin
Becky Butler said the preliminary 2020 budget for District Courts includes revenues totaling $1,680,325
and expenditures totaling $1,999,400.
Judge Buzzard stated that hi office is looking for funds for benefits to provide for the FTE. This was
approved by the Commissioners in early 2019. These funds are not included in the 2020 budget.
District Court has 3 probation officers. People meet with their probation officer about once a month.
Each probation officer has about 265 people in their caseloads.
The Legislature had made some changes that have impacted District Court. District Court has no way of
generating revenue. They issue justice and the fees as imposed by the Legislature. Any costs incurred by
an indigent person cannot be recovered legally.
The jail has booking restrictions and that creates other issues that impact the court/jail.
There is a bill looking in the legislature which provides minimum wage for jurors.
Meeting ended at 4:09 p.m.