Feb. 3, 2009
Attorney General’s Opinion Concerns Specific Court Funds
A recent opinion issued by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office may have some implications for courts that have established special projects funds.
The Madison County prosecutor requested an opinion concerning the uses and control of special projects moneys collected by the Madison County Municipal Court.
The opinion states that:
- The Revised Code statute that enables courts to create special projects funds does not authorize the municipal court to donate money generated through the fund to private or county programs that are neither established nor operated by the court.
- The statute does not require the court to obtain approval from county commissioners before expending money from the fund.
- Another statute requires that interest earned on the special projects fund’s principal be paid into the county’s general fund.
- Still another statute authorizes county commissioners to transfer that interest back to the special projects fund.
The opinion was issued Jan. 5. To access the opinion, visit: http://www.ag.state.oh.us/legal/opinions/2009/2009-001.pdf 
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Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250