County Court Systems Have Extra Trying Times Ahead : Bankruptcy: Some say funding cutbacks could force partial shutdowns at superior and municipal levels. State is unlikely to make up a $19-million shortfall.
SANTA ANA — Orange County’s superior and municipal courts are facing their own fiscal crisis--deep cuts in funding from the bankrupt county and little hope the state will offer relief.
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Court administrators from across the county will meet at John Wayne Airport today to discuss the impact on the criminal and civil court system, but doomsayers are already whispering about cutting services and the possibility of shutting the courthouse doors on a limited basis.
“That’s the worst-case scenario, the possibility of closing down civil courtrooms or civil matters one day per week or a series of days,†said Laguna Hills attorney Michelle A. Reinglass, former county bar president and co-chair of a statewide coalition of judges and lawyers grappling with trial court funding issues.
“We’re in a world of hurt,†Reinglass added.
While figures have yet to be finalized, the state is looking at keeping trial court funding to Orange County at roughly last year’s level. But bankrupt Orange County has pledged $33.8 million for court expenses and the county marshal’s office, $19 million less than last year’s county funding level.
Court officials are looking for ways to cut expenses and freeze vacant positions.
“Until we get a final word on what the state funding will be, we won’t know the true impact,†said Joyce Ziegler, chief officer at Orange County Municipal Court in Laguna Niguel. “We’re going to have to strategize and figure it all out and try and be ready for it.â€
The county declared bankruptcy Dec. 6 after a risky investment strategy lost $1.7 billion. The county is seeking legislative help for a bankruptcy recovery plan that centers on diverting sales and property tax revenues to help the county recover its fiscal standing.
Orange County officials, including the lead county’s bankruptcy attorney and top financial adviser, will be in Sacramento today to meet with legislators and make sure the recovery plan is on track. Another key element of the plan--importing trash from outside the county--appears to be making progress, officials said Wednesday.
The Integrated Waste Management Commission is scheduled to review a plan that could raise more than $22 million a year for the bankrupt county, more than $5 million higher than earlier projections.
The county is luring seven waste haulers from San Diego, Los Angeles and as far away as Arizona by offering bargain rates as low as $14 a ton, not including hauler transportation costs, according to a report on the plan’s progress.
But the plan may face complaints from Orange County haulers who recently faced a dumping fee hike of more than 50% to $35 a ton. That is expected to mean a per household increase of $24 each year.
“With the successful completion of contract negotiations we anticipate that revenues from out-of-county haulers will meet the $15 million revenue listed in the consensus recovery plan,†said Suzanne McClanahan, spokeswoman for Integrated Waste Management.
The advisory commission is expected to reach an agreement on the plan today and forward a recommendation to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. If the plan is approved, outside trash haulers could be moving through Orange County by January, McClanahan said.
The county’s landfill system can handle importation of up to 6,000 tons a day. Initial bids propose to bring in up to 5,000 tons a day. But the county is hoping to negotiate with the city of San Juan Capistrano to bring in about 1,100 additional tons to dump at the landfill within that city’s boundaries.
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