June 11, 2009
Chief Justice Lauds Judicial Branch Belt-Tightening to Judges Groups
Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer addressed how the judicial branch is reducing expenditures in response to tough economic times in a speech to domestic relations, juvenile and probate judges Wednesday.
He noted that while executive branch orders to reduce expenditures do not affect the judicial branch, it “does not absolve the third branch of government from its responsibility to do its part – to take a hard look at our expenditures at the Supreme Court and in appellate and trial courts.”
Over the past four fiscal years, the Supreme Court has saved a total of more than $11 million through reduced budget appropriations and unspent moneys returned to the state treasury, Chief Justice Moyer said. In addition, the Supreme Court has achieved a projected $1.5 million reduction in spending for the current fiscal year through the elimination of eight positions, and other measures.
Those other measures include reducing the assignment of retired judges and active judges to multiple jurisdictions, a decrease of $350,000 during Fiscal Year 2009. Chief Justice Moyer pledged to continue to reduce that spending.
He applauded retired judges that have volunteered to serve without compensation and those sitting judges that have waived their per diem when presiding in adjoining counties. He also cited several examples of jurisdictions with reciprocal agreements to waive their per diem for judges serving in neighboring courts.
Chief Justice Moyer pledged to continue to review the Supreme Court’s budget and reminded other courts to analyze their expenditures in view of diminishing resources with a critical eye. He also acknowledged the inherent competing interests between local courts and local funding authorities when the economy squeezes budgets.
“I recognize that some county and city funding authorities have challenged courts to accept reduced budgets that could severely inhibit those courts from executing their constitutional responsibility,” Chief Justice Moyer said. “Courts across the state have reduced spending, cut staff, and made reductions through temporary furloughs. Courts are different than public agencies. We can compromise on budgets, but we cannot compromise on justice.”
He commended local courts’ efforts to be fiscally responsible while administering some of the most difficult and critical matters that come before the courts.
The 2009 Ohio Associations of Probate, Juvenile and Domestic Relations Judges annual summer conference concluded today.
Contacts: Chris Davey or Bret Crow, 614.387.9250.