Title
Joint resolution authorizing and emergency appropriation in the amount of $430,000, with offsetting revenue, in the Circuit Court's budget.
Staff Summary
* Public Act 98-1132 mandates that jurors will be paid $25 for the first day of service and $50 per day for every day after, effective June 1, 2015.
* This increase has resulted in juror fees increasing from an average of $3,900 per week to $9,800 per week; a 151 percent increase.
* The Court's budget is not adequate to absorb this increase which is estimated at $150,000 for the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2015.
* Additionally, the arrest of over twenty individuals under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) has necessitated hiring several conflict attorneys.
* These attorneys are appointed only in cases where having an attorney from the Public Defender's Office would be a conflict of interest.
* Due to the seriousness and complexity of the criminal charges, attorney fees are estimated to be in the $30,000 to $50,000 range per attorney.
* The Court's budget is not adequate to absorb these unanticipated costs.
* The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) recently announced that the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit would receive $1,225,053 more in salary reimbursement for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2015 than previously awarded and a portion of these funds is being emergency appropriated to cover the above unexpected expenses.
* An emergency appropriation of $150,000 for juror fees and $280,000 for conflict attorneys, with offsetting revenue from salary reimbursements, is requested.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Public Act 98-1132 mandates that jurors will be paid $25 for the first day of service and $50 per day for every day after, effective June 1, 2015; and
WHEREAS, the increase has resulted in juror fees increasing from an average of $3,900 per week to $9,800 per week; a 151 percent increase; and
WHEREAS, the arrest of over 20 individuals under...
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