Justice court budget, jury fee increase and community‑service liability discussed; workman's‑comp coverage unclear

County justice court staff briefed commissioners on the court budget and raised questions about coverage and liability for community‑service assignments.

Court staff said a state proposal to increase juror pay by $2.25 did not pass, and noted payroll and longevity calculations for the court budget. The justice court budget projection for the year was discussed in detail; staff recommended rounding payroll projections up to ensure coverage for potential jury activity.

A sustained discussion focused on whether workman's‑compensation insurance covers non‑paid community‑service workers assigned by the court. Staff said state guidance is unclear and that district court claims may be treated differently; county discussions with the state fund and private carriers produced no definitive answer. Staff recommended keeping a small line item (about $500) for work‑comp contingencies until the statute is clarified or legislative change occurs.

Staff also raised practical concerns about assigning community‑service duties that could expose people to hazard (for example, roadside work) and noted other counties use separate departments to manage community‑service placements. Commissioners directed staff to leave the small contingency in place pending legal clarification and advised continued consultation with the county's civil attorneys and insurers before expanding community‑service assignments.