Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the appropriation of $15,000 for fiscal year 2017 within the Franklin County Municipal Court's fund for dispute resolution. The Franklin County Municipal Court instituted its pre-filing mediation program for small claims cases in 1984; the program provides mediation services for individuals and businesses who wish to resolve their disputes and avoid filing a small claims case.
To support this effort, the Franklin County Municipal Court instituted a special project cost, as authorized by the Ohio Revised Code, ยง 1901.26 (B)(1). The project cost is a $15.00 per case charge that covers up to five checks per debtor.
Funds are to be used to assist in the support of dispute resolution program efforts within the Small Claims Division, not to supplant existing funds. The intent of these funds is to provide for the purchase of services and other similar small claims-related expenses not currently available to the Court's small claims services department.
FISCAL IMPACT: There are sufficient funds available within the Dispute Resolution fund to support the requested appropriation level for 2017.
Title
To authorize the appropriation of $15,000.00 for 2017 from the unappropriated balance of the Franklin County Municipal Court Judges dispute resolution fund for all anticipated expenses associated with the enhancement of small claim services. ($15,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, an appropriation of these funds is necessary in order to continue with the enhancement of small claim services and the payment thereof; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary in the usual daily operation of the city to appropriate the aforementioned funds in order for the small claims department to commence expending these funds, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; Now, Therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the sum of $15,000 be and is hereby appropriated f...
Click here for full text