PORT ANGELES — The three Clallam County commissioners approved quarterly budget emergencies Tuesday, the largest being an increase of $183,000 for the Superior Court to offset higher-than-anticipated costs.
The debatable budget emergency, one of several that commissioners unanimously approved after a public hearing, stemmed from an increased case load and expert services costs, as well as the use of more conflict-of-interest attorneys and pro-tem commissioners.
Court Administrator Lindy Clevenger told commissioners that Clallam County Superior Court has been working through a backlog of felony cases.
She said fluctuating case loads — and high-profile cases — have significant impacts on the budget.
“We just kind of react to what’s happening around us,” Clevenger said.
County Administrator Jim Jones said one of the three Superior Court judges had a medical issue and had to miss some court time.
“We do not believe this is a continuing problem here,” Jones said.
‘Not sustainable’
Nevertheless, Commissioner Mike Chapman said the $183,000 budget emergency is not sustainable.
“This is just the first half of the year,” Chapman said.
Commissioner Mike Doherty added: “We’re hoping this is not a prognosis for a continuing problem.”
Commissioner Steve Tharinger suggested a meeting among Superior Court and other law and justice departments to coordinate efforts in an era of tight budgets.
The debatable budget emergencies totaled $337,984.
Two were used to complete the final transaction of the east Port Angeles Urban Growth Area sewer project.
No public testimony was taken during a public hearing.
Jones will present a mid-year review of the county’s 2011 budget July 26.
Discovery Trail
Commissioners also approved a local agency agreement and project prospectus with the state Department of Transportation to complete a 1.5-mile segment of the Olympic Discovery Trail west of Lake Crescent.
Federal funds will cover $524,350 of the $611,185 cost. The other $86,835 will come from the county road fund.
The segment will become part of a trail that will span the entire North Olympic Peninsula from Port Townsend to LaPush.
________
Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com
