2019-10-24 Prelim budget - 3 - Superior Court2020 preliminary budget meeting: Superior Court
October 24, 2019
11 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, County Manager Erik
Martin, Budget Services Manager Becky Butler, Judge James Lawler, Susie Palmateer, Court
Commissioner Tracy Mitchell
Citizens Budget Committee members: Frank Corbin, Paul Crowner, Bill Kassen, Bill Marshall, Bill Serrahn
Other guests: Dr. Lindsey Pollock, Linda Williams, Ralph Mancini
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Becky Butler said the preliminary 2020 budget for Superior Court includes revenues totaling $21, 340
and expenditures totaling $1,498,300.
Judge Lawler and Susie Palmateer outlined two expenditure limitation increases Superior Court is
requesting:
• $28,519 to increase the pay for Court Commissioner Tracy Mitchell in response to increases the
state provided for the judges. Judge Lawler and Court Commissioner Mitchell outlined Court
Commissioner Mitchell’s duties. They also noted that they would like the Board of County
Commissioners to tie Commissioner Mitchell’s salary to the judges’ salaries. The commissioners
clarified that they have approved of pay increases but have chosen not to tie the salary to the
judges’ salaries.
• $25,400 to increase the pay for Juvenile Court Administrator Shad Hail. County Manager Erik
Martin, Judge Lawler and the commissioners outlined the improvements Shad has implemented
at Juvenile.
Becky noted that the group is requesting an additional $337,000 to cover increases for indigent defense
contracts. Judge Lawler and Susie outlined the indigent defense process and identified the need for
increases to the contracts.
Susie and Judge Lawler thanked the commissioners for approving funding for an armed security guard
for the courts.
Susie discussed the trial court improvement account, which has been used to replace locks, replace
chairs, install security cameras, etc.
Meeting ended at 11:45 a.m.