Information
$100,000 Grant Funds - Reimbursed by AOC
Type: Deliberation
Department: SC - Superior Court
Directors' Update: May 18, 2022
Business Meeting: May 24, 2022
Summary:Accepting funds from the Washington Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) for Courtroom upgrades
Publications: NA
Cover Letter To:
Additional Copies To: Grace Jimenez, Susie Palmateer, and Stacey Werner
Resolution
ACCEPTING FUNDS FROM THE WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS (AOC) FOR COURTROOM UPGRADES
WHEREAS, Lewis County Superior Court is in need of audio/visual recording system upgrades. Due to COVID-19, most court reporters are working remotely and/or independently. Lewis County Superior Court has been unsuccessful in hiring for the two open court reporter positions and has not had any applicants. The enhanced audio/visual recording system will aid in courtroom coverage; and
WHEREAS, in early April, the Governor signed a 2022 Supplemental Operating Budget to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The budget provided AOC state funding to pay for trial court costs made to address impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Lewis County Superior Court requested funding from AOC. AOC approved funding of $100,000 for audio/visual equipment for the Lewis County Superior Court courtrooms in order to enhance the remote court experience and provide greater safety and accessibility to individuals accessing justice during the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the enhanced audio/visual recording system will assist in the recording of court proceedings in all courtrooms when court reporters are not available.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) agrees to accept funds in the amount of $100,000 from the Washington Administrative Office of the Courts.
DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 24th day of May, 2022.