Advertisement
We do not have enough money to keep operating at the current level. Since we do not have significant investment in buildings, equipment or inventory, we are going to have to cut staff.
These cuts are going to be deep, approximately 15 percent. Cutting staff means cutting services. The service window at the court administrator’s office will be closed on Wednesdays until 12:30 p.m. Emergency cases will be heard. Other hearings will be delayed. Jury terms will be extended.
It will take longer to get a response from the courts.
Winona is in the Third Judicial District which is made up of the 11 southeastern counties of the state of Minnesota. This district includes Rochester, the third largest city in the state.
We have 23 district judges and support staff including court reporters, law clerks and court administration. The district court is the trial court for every type of case from small claims to major crimes. Access to the courts is guaranteed by our Constitution.
We are running out of money.
We were not fully funded for the 2008 and 2009 budget cycle. In addition, money we are required to spend for mandated services has greatly exceeded projections. Mandated services include costs for psychological services, interpreters, juries and IFP (in forma pauperis) cases, which are the costs of providing access to the courts for people without financial means.
In particular, the cost of psychological services has exploded. These include costs that the judicial district has to pay when the government seeks to confine a person indefinitely for being a sexual predator. Sexually dangerous person commitment cases have greatly increased since the horrifying death of Dru Sjodin. The cost of psychological evaluations and testimony must be incurred if these cases are to be fairly resolved.
Interpreter services are also costing much more than expected. The law requires the courts to provide interpreter assistance to people in need. These services would be required whether English was our official language.
The Third Judicial District has a substantial population of Hispanic, Somali and Hmong language speakers, most of whom are here legally and are productive taxpayers. Many second generation immigrants speak English, but some recent immigrants may need help understanding our language.
Even those who speak conversational English may need assistance with legal terminology. We also provide American Sign Language interpreters when necessary for those with hearing impairments. Interpreter services are a cost over which we have little control.
We are asking the Legislature to supplement the court budget to cover the increased costs of these mandated services. The revenue forecast indicates there is going to be no new money available. We are going to have to cut the budget to make ends meet.
Unfortunately, tough times usually mean more work for the courts, not less. We are acutely aware of how frustrating users can find our court system. I would much prefer to be able to promptly hear and resolve cases.
Please be assured that we are doing our level best with the resources we have available.
Thompson is a district court judge who serves in Winona.
|
More News: |
