Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the City Auditor to transfer $200,000.00 within the General Fund; authorizes Franklin County Municipal Court, Clerk of Court ("Municipal Court Clerk") to enter into a one (1) year contract with FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”) for the provision of commercial carrier service in the amount up to $200,000.00.
The Court requested the Municipal Court Clerk to add a commercial carrier service option (using FedEx) for civil filings to improve the effective rate of parties being successfully served.
The Municipal Court Clerk offers multiple service options when serving the defendant in a civil case; however, certified mail is the most used method. A commercial carrier service would be more efficient and effective than heavily relying on certified mail service; since the United States Post Office attempts one time to successfully complete the certified service, whereas FedEx attempts three times to successfully complete the service. Receiving successful returns through FedEx is an automated process that allows the Court and Municipal Court Clerk to better meet the needs of a paperless environment by automatically receiving the confirmation of service through the Municipal Court Clerk case management system instead of needing to manually enter the data.
Adding a commercial carrier service gives parties additional options to properly serve the opposing party than what is currently being offered by the Franklin County Municipal Court. Ensuring proper service of the defendant allows them the time needed to appropriately address the situation and receive legal assistance if needed.
Bid Information: In 2008, FedEx created a Courts Program specifically for the Ohio Association of Municipal/County Court Clerks (“OAMCCC”). The initial agreement was viewed as impractical to bid due to FedEx being the only commercial carrier service offering the cost saving program and therefore was not competitively bid. As of 2023, thirty-six (3...
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