County Board OKs Increase In Justice Court Automation Fees

By Tammy Gray-Searles
   A 66 percent increase in justice court automation fees, taking the fees from $6 to $10, was approved by the Navajo County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, with the increase to take effect immediately.
   “We’re requesting this as an emergency provision in light of the budget situation,” Court Administrator Marla Randall told the board when she initially requested the fee change.
   The new fee will be collected on every civil case filed, as well as on each charge in criminal and civil traffic cases. In the criminal and civil traffic citation cases, the fee will be collected after conviction, and will be added to the other fines and fees assessed at sentencing. In cases that include several charges, the fee will be imposed separately for each charge. Under the resolution, the judge may choose to waive the fee only in cases where there is extreme financial hardship.
   Randall previously explained that the fee is used to pay the Arizona Office of the Courts (AOC) for the statewide court automation project. The amount Navajo County is required to pay is based on the number of computers in the courts that are connected to the AOC database, as well as the amount of data that is input. According to Randall, the $6 currently being assessed for each case and charge covers only a portion of the amount that must be paid to AOC. She believes the increase to $10 will cover all of Navajo County’s costs.
   “A recent analysis indicated that the current fee of $6 is inadequate and currently falls short of defraying actual automation costs,” a memorandum to the board noted. “Therefore, it is recommended that the fee be increased to $10.”
   In other action Feb. 9, the board:
   * Approved a contract with the Arizona Department of Health Services for oral health services, and with dental hygienist Connie Baine for administration of oral health services.
   * Approved a liquor license application submitted by Patricia Sarcoz for Red House Pizza in Show Low.
   The state liquor board must give final approval before the license is issued.
   * Approved a $29,125 contract with Presentation Plus “on behalf of Navajo County Regional Development Council for regional branding, Web site design and economic development work using unused funds from the former White Mountain Regional Development Council.”
   * Approved submission of a Community Development Block Grant application for housing rehabilitation and adopted a fair housing policy as required under the grant.
   * Approved submission of applications for grant funding for drug court services.
   * Approved a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Navajo Nation that will allow the county to purchase equipment being offered for sale by the Arizona Department of Transportation on behalf of the Navajo Nation.
   * Approved three memorandums of agreement between the county, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Hopi Agency Roads Department for two separate purchases of road materials, with one purchase not to exceed $7,230.70 and the other not to exceed $14,111.30, with funds for both purchases coming from District II special road funds.
   The next board meeting is scheduled at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Navajo County complex in Holbrook.