District Court asks county for a clerk trainee, security and grant match funding

Tom Stockard, speaking for District Court, told the commission the court needs additional administrative support and sustained contracted services to keep caseloads moving. "We are asking for an additional court clerk position" he said, describing the hire as a trainee-level step 1 position intended to be trained into the clerk role.

Stockard asked for a pay increase for the CASA coordinator, noting the position’s pay has not been adjusted since 2014 and that the coordinator is a contracted (not county) employee. He also sought an increase in contracted courthouse security to keep the facility open over the lunch hour; Stockard said security coverage would avoid closing the courthouse midtrial and better serve the public.

On capital and matching needs, Stockard noted a $13,000 request to meet a potential Supreme Court grant’s 33% match requirement (the grant can be up to $50,000 and the requested $13,000 would be the local match if the maximum award is received). He also said the court must complete a required four‑year audit this fiscal year and adjusted its budget lines accordingly.

What commissioners asked for: brief clarification on budget line reductions and reimbursements; staff indicated the audit and match items were properly placed in the court’s operating accounts. The board did not vote on the requests and directed staff to include the items in tentative budget materials for later action.