Boone County increases court security fee by $10

By Adam Poulisse
Staff writer

Posted Dec. 24, 2015 at 3:00 PM

BELVIDERE — Court fees in Boone County will rise as law enforcement looks to cover the cost of courthouse security, including new safety measures.

The court security fee for civil, felony, misdemeanor and DUI cases has been raised from $15 to $25. Traffic, ordinance and conservation fees will remain at $8.

The fee is charged in civil cases at the time of the first appearance. It's due in criminal cases after a guilty plea or conviction.

Boone County Sheriff David Ernest outlined the need for the increase in a letter sent to Chief Judge Joseph G. McGraw.

"The current fee, which has not been increased in over 15 years, does not generate sufficient funds to maintain the current level of security," Ernest said in the letter. "Over the past year, we have increased the level of security by providing armed bailiffs at the front entrance and in each courtroom. We are also currently looking at a camera system for the entire court house."

The Boone County Board approved the increase at its Dec. 16 meeting.

"With the concerns of our country now, this is something that's necessary for the safety of operating the courthouse," board Chairman Bob Walberg said.

In August, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a law that allowed counties to charge more than the maximum court security fee rate of $25, so long as the fee is set in accordance to a sufficient cost study.

The fee previously generated about $55,000 a year in Boone County. With the increase, the county can expect an additional revenue of about $30,000, according to County Administrator Ken Terrinoni.

"We already have security personnel but (funds do not) cover the total cost of people," he said. "This will cover the cost of what we currently have plus increased hours and security cameras. It's another revenue stream to pay for costs we're already having. It's all designed to keep the courthouse building safe."

Adam Poulisse: 815-987-1344; apoulisse@rrstar.com; @adampoulisse

Above is from:  http://www.rrstar.com/article/20151224/NEWS/151229744