Explanation
BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Administrative Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to accept a grant in the amount of $35,355.00 from The Supreme Court of Ohio, and to appropriate from the unappropriated balance of the general government grant fund to the Franklin County Municipal Court, the total amount of the grant. This grant will fund an upgrade to the existing jury management system ("JMS") and introduce online services to enhance juror participation and satisfaction while creating efficiencies for court personnel.
Currently, jurors must call the jury commissioner's office to request postponements or to be excused from jury duty. Jurors who report for jury duty (60-80 every two weeks) complete a paper questionnaire, and all of those answers are then manually entered into the JMS by court staff. This process is redundant and prevents judges from starting jury trials until after 2:00 p.m. on Mondays.
The new software will allow jurors to complete the jury questionnaire and to request postponements and excuses online. The software can be programmed to allow the automation of some responses so jurors receive instant answers. Other requests will still require personal interaction with court staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
No general fund resources are needed.
Emergency Justification: The Court seeks approval to amend this ordinance to emergency in order to remain in compliance with the terms of the grant.
Title
To authorize and direct the Administrative Judge of the Franklin County Municipal Court to accept a grant award from The Supreme Court of Ohio; to appropriate $35,355.00 from the unappropriated balance of the general government grant fund to the Franklin County Municipal Court, and to declare an emergency. ($35,355.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is in the city's best interest that the Franklin County Municipal Court upgrade the jury management system; and
WHEREAS, grant monies from The Supreme Court of Ohio, in the amoun...
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