Committee approves $10,000/year food-and-beverage allowance for Municipal Court outreach

The committee approved emergency ordinance 364-2026 to amend the codified ordinances to permit Cleveland Municipal Court to set aside funds for food and beverages to support community outreach events and staff appreciation.

A court presenter said the line would help the court provide simple items—"just candy at the table"—at outreach events such as Justice Unlocked and expungement clinics. Councilman Brian Kazy asked for the dollar amount; the presenter said, "Oh, we're asking to set aside $10,000 a year to use. We might not use it all, but we just want to make sure we have a cushion." Councilman Michael Polensek offered praise for the presenters and indicated his support. The committee approved the ordinance.

The transcript shows the amount being proposed and the committee’s approval; the document does not specify whether the $10,000 will come from an existing departmental allocation or a new line in the general fund.