During its hearings analyzing the 2024-25 city budget, Jacksonville’s City Council Finance Committee approved more than $500,000 for additional court staff and maintenance on the Duval County Courthouse.
Council approved $319,454 to fund annual salary and benefits for a magistrate, a magistrate assistant, a case manager and an IT technician for the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Appearing before the Council Finance Committee on Aug. 15, Chief Judge Lance Day said the positions previously were funded by federal coronavirus relief programs, but that source of support expired, leaving it up to the county to provide the resources.
“The pandemic changed many of the operating features of the court system. The four positions referenced and funded last week by the City Council were originally positions that were being funded under the Court System Pandemic Recovery Plan. That funding ended June 30 of this year. Each of these now city-funded positions has already contributed greatly to streamlining and aiding to increased efficiency in the courts services provided to the community,” Day said.
The magistrate and the magistrate’s assistant work with the 4th Circuit’s Juvenile, Family and other divisions as well as the problem-solving courts including Adult Drug Court, Dependency Drug Court and Mental Health Court, Day said.
The IT technician processes court orders issued by judges and maintains the court’s remote hearing capability between the courthouse and the pretrial detention facility.
The committee deferred the decision on the appropriation until the final day of budget hearings, then approved Day’s proposal unanimously without discussion
“We would have lost these positions without the county money,” Day said.
“I realize this is a tough budget year, but these are critical needs. We are grateful to the City Council and the Mayor’s Office for helping us.”
Council also approved $200,000 in the 2024-25 budget for ongoing maintenance at the Duval County Courthouse.
Addressing the Finance Committee on Aug. 15, Duval County Clerk of Courts Jody Phillips said the courthouse is at the point it is beginning to need maintenance.
“The building is nearly 15 years old. Things are starting to happen,” Phillips said.
After the meeting, clerk’s office spokesman Brian Corrigan said the money will be used to replace some carpet and tile and repainting in the seven-story structure.
“Just normal maintenance on a nearly 16-year-old building,” he said.
Under state law, counties must provide facilities for the courts, including office space and IT services.