Title
Joint resolution increasing the Law Library fee from $13 to $20, to be collected by the Clerk of the Circuit Court from litigants in civil cases, effective January 1, 2016.
Staff Summary
• Lake County currently assesses a Law Library fee of $13 to litigants in all civil cases, and the maximum fee allowed by Public Act 96-0227 is $21.
• The Law Library’s Self Representation Center facilitates access to justice and effective court operations by providing services and resources for those who represent themselves in court.
• Center staff is often expert in finding the law, accustomed to making community service referrals, assist litigants in using tools and understanding the law.
• The Circuit Judges desire to expand services and resources available in the Center and to initiate programs that are responsive to the needs of self-represented litigants.
• The fee increase will generate approximately $165,000 per year in new revenue, and would help support additional services and resources.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Lake County operates a Law Library funded by a Law Library Fee of $13 collected from litigants in civil cases; and
WHEREAS, the Law Library Fee has not been increased since December 1, 2008; and
WHEREAS, PA 96-0227, states County Boards may authorize the Clerk of the Circuit Court to charge litigants in civil cases a county law library fee not to exceed $21; and
WHEREAS, the Circuit Judges desire to expand the services provided by the Law Library’s Self Representation Center; and
WHEREAS, it is therefore recommended that the Law Library Fee of $13 be increased to $20 effective January 1, 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that the Law Library Fee charged to litigants in civil cases be increased from $13 to $20, effective January 1, 2016.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on November 10, 2015.