NUMB:
970049
VERS:
SUBSTITUTE 2
REF:
XXBY:
THE CHAIR
TITL:
Substitute resolution appropriating $51,500 from the Common Council Contingent Fund for part-time Court Commissioner services and a court clerk for six months and reserving $21,500 for potential renovations to the criminal justice facility courtroom to handle video court appearances from July 1 through December 31, 1997, to alleviate a backlog in the caseload of the Municipal Court.
ANLS:
-Analysis-
Adoption of this resolution authorizes an appropriation of $51,500 from the Common Council Contingent Fund to fund part-time Court Commissioners and a court clerk for six months and reserving $21,500 for potential renovations to the criminal justice facility courtroom to handle video court appearances from July 1 through December 31, 1997, to alleviate a backlog in the caseload of the Municipal Court.
BODY:
Whereas, During the past five years, despite increased efficiency in administrative and judicial procedures, double-digit caseload increases and growing complexity of case issues point to an increased need for judicial and courtroom staff resources; and
Whereas, The average percentage caseload increase between 1992 and 1996 was 8% per year, while during January to March, 1997, case filings increased by 29% over the same three-month period the prior year, due in part to the implementation of the "no-tolerance" policy, and said increased level is likely to be sustained; and
Whereas, There was also a 20% increase in 1996 and a further 6% increase in January through March, 1997, in the number of defendants held at the Criminal Justice Facility who are seen in court via video, with up to four hours of total court time spent daily in hearing said cases over video; and
Whereas, The Court estimates that $500,000 in net City revenues in 1997 would be at risk due to delayed hearings and resulting nonappearances, higher incarceration costs, higher rate of issuance of warrants a...
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