HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2024 (51)ST. C R 0 INK Cfx NTY,
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Resolution No. 51 (2024)
RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE STATE OF WISCONSIN TO
INCREASE FUNDING FOR CIRCUIT COURTS
1 WHEREAS, St. Croix County continues to bear a disproportionate financial burden for
2 the operations of the circuit court system, paying 80% of the operational expenses, while
3 retaining only 20% of the revenues generated, operational expenses, including court staff wages
4 and benefits, courtroom security, jury costs, and other necessary expenditures; and
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6 WHEREAS, since 1978, counties have been responsible for the vast majority of the
7 operational costs of the courts, with the State of Wisconsin only providing funding for the
8 salaries and benefits of judges and court reporters, as well as per diem payments for reserve
9 judges; and
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11 WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2021, counties across Wisconsin reported expenditures of
12 $230 million, while only $45.8 million of these expenses were supported by state appropriations,
13 placing an undue financial burden on counties, including St. Croix County, to make up the
14 difference through local taxes and other revenue sources; and
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16 WHEREAS, ongoing challenges such as increasing security costs, interpreter shortages,
17 and insufficient state reimbursements for Guardian ad Litem and Victim Witness services
18 exacerbate the strain on county resources, further jeopardizing the timely administration of
19 justice and public safety; and
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21 WHEREAS, the current funding formula where counties pay 80% of the expenses and
22 retain 20% of the revenues, does not adequately reflect the financial reality faced by counties,
23 necessitating urgent reform to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of court funding; and
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25 WHEREAS, a more equitable state -county funding partnership, based on a 50150 cost-
26 sharing arrangement, would require the State of Wisconsin to increase its contribution to court
27 costs by an estimated $70 million, thereby providing much -needed financial relief to counties.
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29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of
30 Supervisors hereby respectfully requests that the State of Wisconsin increase its funding
31 contribution for the circuit courts to reflect a more equitable cost -sharing model, specifically
32 increasing the circuit court cost appropriation by $70 million to establish a 50150 funding
33 partnership between the state and counties.
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35 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State of Wisconsin consider increasing the
36 amount counties are allowed to retain from court -generated fees, fines, and forfeitures to provide
37 additional financial support for local court operations.
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39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the State of Wisconsin assume full responsibility
40 for the Victim Witness Appropriation and reimburse counties for 90% of these costs, as
41 originally intended.
42 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Clerk is directed to forward a
43 copy of this resolution to the Governor of Wisconsin, the members of the Wisconsin State
44 Legislature, and the Director of State Courts to advocate for these necessary changes in state
45 funding for county court systems.
Public Protection and Judiciary Committee Recommended
MOVER: Cathy Leaf
SECONDER: Paul Adams
AYES: Paul Adams, Cathy Leaf, Bob Feidler, Tim Ramberg, Paul Carlson
EXCUSED: None
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on December 3,
2024
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Bob Long, Coun 'AoAd Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk