South Central Reporter

Macoupin County Courts Committee met March 30.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

I.  CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT: Dunnagan, Thomas, Emery, Klausing, Payne, Pomatto, Quarton, Deihl, Ross, Garrison, Briscoe

ABSENT:            

II. AGENDA ITEMS

1. State's Attorney Report

State's Attorney Garrison updated the committee on the increased number of criminal and juvenile filings this past year. He has had two applications in 5 months for the vacancy (Assistant State’s Attorney) so far, but neither one accepted and both took jobs elsewhere, and so the position remains open.

2 Public Defender's Report

The Public Defender was unavailable, so Judge Deihl reported in his absence. In February, the Public Defender offered the vacant assistant public defender position to a local attorney who was recovering from some health issues. After starting March 1st, it became mutually agreed upon that the time wasn't right for him to continue so he is leaving March 31st. Whether he is eligible for COBRA insurance coverage will be reviewed. In his stead, Attorney Anne Clough has accepted the position of APD starting April 1st and she has great legal credentials, being an attorney for 21 years with experience in private practice and as a contracted CPD in two other counties. She will be leaving her private practice and the two CPD positions to come work full time. She has extensive experience in litigation and negotiation of criminal and juvenile cases and is also a certified drug court team member.

3.Probation and Court Services Report

Briscoe discussed her recent participation at a local zoom meeting discussing the drug court program. The department is doing very well. They are seeing clients in the office again after a health screening to ensure safety for clients and probation officers. However, the biggest change for probation officers is adding in virtual meetings, which is a big help when some probationers may not have the ability to get to Carlinville to fulfill their court ordered requirements. The two new officers that started in September are working very, very well. Briscoe said the last salary reimbursement had come in back in January for August payroll, so hopefully there will be significant reimbursements between now and the end of the state fiscal year.

4. PRESIDING JUDGE'S REPORT

1. AOIC Budget

Judge Deihl reported that the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts requested budget information for all offices related to the local courts. He is hoping that this consolidation of financial data is for when AOIC makes its annual funding request to the state legislature. Hopefully, this information will provide additional funding for local court operations.

2.Court Reporters/Specialist

The courts have operated at less than full staff for over 15 months. Fortunately, starting April 1st, each judge will be back to having their own reporter/specialist. Reporters/specialists in our county also double as a judge’s administrative secretary handling phone calls, walk ins, typing, etc. These court reporters/specialists’ salaries and benefits are for paid entirely by the state. Judge Deihl chose not to hire any temporary staff during this 15-months period which was a significant cost savings to the county. Deihl said it has been a stressful period but appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding as we had had one reporter out on an extended medical leave and another who had retired.

3.Naming a Task Force for Budgetary Impact of the Criminal Justice Reform Act

Deihl provided information on the newly signed Criminal Justice Reform Act. This enactment will have the effect of reducing revenue to the county (no cash bail) and at the same time cause an increase to operational costs. For example, one new requirement would be that any newly arrested person must be brought before the court, in person, within 24 hours of booking. It means in-person Court must be open every day, all year long. The effective date is 1/1/23. While there is a hope there will be amendments exempting small counties from the 24/7 courts, Deihl requested perhaps naming a task force to review the budgetary impact of the criminal justice act and to begin to look at how this will impact the counties bottom line. He believes each department will need to be reviewed as to its’ operational impact and then to determine the additional costs of such operations.

Motion by Thomas, seconded by Payne to recommend naming a task force.

RESULT: MOTION TO RECOMMEND [UNANIMOUS]

MOVER: David Thomas, Vice Chair

SECONDER: Jon Payne, Member

AYES: Dunnagan, Thomas, Emery, Klausing, Payne, Pomatto, Quarton

4.Security for Judges

Deihl discussed that in 2021, he has had three instances away from the Courthouse at which he was at risk. One is unsolved and two are solved and pending criminal charges. In the last week judges received information from the Illinois Judges Association about possible vendor ADT protection to provide home protection services for local judges at discounted prices. He needed to find out more information and report back at a future committee meeting concerning his recommendations.

Motion by Thomas, seconded by Pomatto to adjourn. All in favor. Motion carried.

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