when We Good afternoon. Everyone is 05:30pm, on Wednesday. AUGUST 13th 2025. When the Senator room of the city County building. Welcome to the public safety because committee of the City County Council, we started to duck sons of our council members for this committee on our Bottom Row Council heart. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, my name is Michael Paul Hart representing District 20. Thanks CHAIRMAN Josh paying district. 21. Thank you. MISTER Chair Brian Mowery District. 25. Thank you. CHAIRMAN Jessica McCormack District 16. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN bring Delaney District 2. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Dr Carlos Perkins District 6. Going good evening. CHAIRMAN Robinson, Krista Carlino District 11 West side. MR. CHAIRMAN Frank Mascara District, 19 on the
Southeast side because groups. Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN Van moves district 3 Washington Lordstown ships council agrees. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Keith Graves, Indianapolis Council district 9 on the side. Thank you, Cal. Some Robinson chair. The committee represent District one, therefore budget items agenda this evening. And one proposal first proposed to 43 2025 direct to public safety. Welcome to committee to review the any except submission. It is here. Commissioner for report in speaking tonight will be director driver. It did Williams to will come forward. Please. The share with The report. You have forced to do. It's worse. Good
everybody. And that and thank and good good. Behalf of Marion County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Kerry forestall. Their coffers and clerk. This letter shall include back quarterly report is required. I see a 12, 0, 8, public law. 54. 2025. This new statute changes the frequency of the comes report filings from semi annually to court with. Effective JULY first 2025. That's the same as here by tendered in accord with Indiana Co 36 Dash 8 dash 10 dash. 21 as amended and in accord with the City County Council during a resolution for 2025 dated JANUARY 14th of 2025. Attachment 3 is a required record of receipts and disbursements of the Marin County Sheriff's Office. Adult
Detention Center commissary fund for the period of JANUARY. First 2025 2 JULY first 2025. If the colors are copied recipients have any questions. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Thank you very much for your attention. Sincerely, the Marin County Sheriff's Office. Thank you. Deputy chiefs accounts in your packet in original pack it with the agenda you go back a couple pages there, you'll see that report. Well, with the attachments include you spoke about. It's all in All of the letter from the comes to questions on the report cause heart. Chair. I was looking at some of these catches person to icu recurring charge Gasoline Alley, Rental llc for rental space You could provide explanation of what that is. I'm sorry, Would you repeat that one more time? Certainly.
So I'm looking at the cash, And is a reoccurring fee for the amount of $1500 every month for rental space at Gasoline, Alley, llc. Just curious what that is. That is a garage where the Manatee County Sheriff's Office our 2 purses. It means that we use our bicycles that we use and motorcycles. Fantastic. Thank you your welcome. This MAY be a question for for the clerk or for the staff. Soon do we get reports before committee? Be available. Post review these before the committee hearings there as we can get those. Is there. A statute says the now they just have to submit quarterly. And so they submitted these. JULY, but it was after a last-minute change, a life. So maybe a month before the committee meeting. Yeah. Thanks. Much of this truck comes to questions.
The deputy chief. Seeing that served one of the audience could speak to this report from the sheriff. To Most people been moved We don't need to vote on This is just unacceptable. Good report. Except it. Thank you, Deputy. Appreciate you. Thank you. Think good We do have 4 budget presentation this evening. First one up as the mayor is spear court. All the packets are in front of you at your at desk. There and it will have judge roll them better. Come forward. Please been just goes. Welcome to both of you. Is recent. We Thank you We as well as our court administrator and other members our court. We do appreciate your time tonight will trying make it relatively quick and straightforward for you. Thanks very much for allowing us to present our budget and just just to, you
know, we'll we'll do the questions at the conclusion of your presentation. Absolutely. Thank you. Absolutely. So as you know, I'm Erin Spirit Court comprised 36 judges. 39 ministries over 600 employees, destruction into 3 divisions. And that's by local rules. Civil criminal in family handling a variety all types of cases in Marion County, aside from small claims cases which are submitted to the small claims courts, Marion County. The court itself has independent departments and divisions under its purview. I'm not gonna be the slides directly to you. But I will point out the court administration, youth services, the new family and Youth Intervention Center 25th the Keystone in the probation department. The structured again with the executive committee, that thing for judges elected by the Phils
peer courts for 2 terms. I am the presiding in those duties are delineated in our local rules. Once again. One of the highlights of our facility of criminal or I'm sorry, the Community Justice Center is the Legal Resource Center. This allows people who are pro se or so presented to come in. Get research Look for things such as forms and we have volunteers there to in their efforts to help the representation and again, in all types of cases from criminal to family, to civil cases. Legal resource center has 4 navigators who help out in assisting the self represent a little gets. We found that providing this certainly takes a burden off
of the court itself as before a lot of questions were asked to the court staff. However, the course could not give legal advice in the net Gators, don't give advice either the simply point to direction. But again, it does help those who are representing themselves or those for some reason can't afford an attorney and still are able to get there and do their own research. I should point out that since opening in JUNE 2022 34,000 visits have been clocked just this year. We have been averaging 1500 visits. Which is 900 or I'm sorry, which is approximately 600 more than we were at same time last year. So it is incredible success. One thing we'll be looking at are of the fiscal highlights permitting community service work program, which is what
our community service work, that people are sentenced to work, where that they are required to do through certain version or other programs in the benefit that gives to Marion County itself. As you can see, there are approximately 3500. Community service work hours last year benefiting about $25,000. Currently we're running approximately the same when this was developed. Slug was developed. However, it is. It really kind of depends what's happened. We've got there's been a couple changes in the law to allow for certain. Aspects of 2 new service with those change. But if you do have questions on that, I'm going refer you to probation department had chief Crowe who's here tonight. Going to the kiosk probation reporting another successful program that was launched a few years
ago. Watch up right prior to covid. This allows. Thousands of probationers to not necessarily have to make the trek downtown. Can go to various locations around the city, checking in via kiosks, the saves them money. It more efficient for us. And again, these are probationers who MAY be on probation for often misdemeanors who, again, simply just need to be checking in in varying 5, their attendance participation in probation. One of highlights we have this year is the family and Youth Intervention Center. This is respite center for the family and youth. The 25th and Keystone location we do several things there, there's a small library book donations
where people can come in, get information in the book Project Medical Services, Transportation. We do provide that for youth and family to and from the center. As well as other mental health partners who are pro helping provide services there. Budget breakdown pretty much why we're here. This shows our funding. Shows the general fund do probation from the oco Fund. Local services fund but should point out that while it does, it is a total increase 698,000. Largely that is due to grant fund increases. It is not an actual increase in what we're asking from. You. We are for the most part still looking at a flat line budget request from the Revenue from Marion County generated through assessed fines, cost probation fees. Those that can't be voluntarily given to us easily. We have partnered
with the Office of Financial Management Recovery Unit. And therefore, those do go to collections. And we have quite a bit of success for that. However, there is a bit of a fly in the ointment on that which some people don't realize when they say hi, how come you guys are collecting fees and every case, any accrued, 35, 33, 7, 6.5 says judges to determine in all criminal cases. For example, whether there should be fees assessed and in doing so. We need to do that through an indigency hearing. This examines a person's assets or income necessary expended says whether or not child support, for example, MAY consider other the person's eligibility for public assistance and aides they MAY be receiving. This is through a series of questions under oath can be done at the very beginning of someone's initial hearing.
Could also be done that sentencing for the purposes of probation. I have to do them and both times. It used to be that if someone had posted a bond automatically that bond money could be turned over for those particular fees. So assessing the fees and collection was in difficult. However, there was a case that came out last year spells the state. It's not that intriguing of a read, but it is an important read which says that even if there is a bond paid, the court has to have an emergency hearing and determine whether someone is indigent as to whether or not they can still collect those fees from the van should be pointed out that public defender fees can come from the van without a determination. Grants that received. We are currently receiving grants from the Indiana Department of
Correction and they go to support the following programs as you can see listed there. Some of those are the drug treatment program. The Veterans Court program, Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, jd ai. Also we receive Indian off support services funding some of those programs again. They also help fund reentry court. Other problem solving courts commercial a court law clerks because the Dew commercial court does need to court the Hills commercial cases, quite a large doctor with quite complex cases. And therefore, law clerks are there to assist the judge in a lot of those things. And finally, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute provides the funding for the new family and use. Intervention Center. But great
temperature to one. You see all our funds there. I should point out one of those funds the drc be is being re envision right now with through a mediator functionality. Should also point out that the only grant that funding that is listed there is for Fy, the Family Youth Intervention Center. Chair to 2. Again, you can see Georgia to buy the budget funding and we're not asking for an increase is a matter of fact. There is a decrease in the decrease grant funding in gas, lean budget. So we're actually decreased and church or 2. Church or 3. There is a decrease of a budget variance and that's largely due to a decrease in controlled accounts that being IOUs. 8 and of building rents building authority services. Reform,
budget As you can see again, Stu, they're the county general fund and the other federal grants in this is an increase of $54,000. But that's because, again, the increase in federal grant budget, not an increase in requests from the county. So make it quick. And that's been as quick I can make it. What I'm more than happy to answer any questions you MAY have counselors, CHAIRMAN, thank you very much for your Your position judge comes to question Council's council scary. Thank MISTER Chair. My question the about grants. When the federal government's cutting grant in the state are affecting yet, yes, they We got our grants cut that would have gone problem solving courts by the state. Approximately 13%, its orbit. You know, it's not related to trickle down economics, but it is trickle down effect or just
kind of all goes all the way down. So yes, it is affecting us and and so far we have maintained those services. But we're finding new ways and innovative ways to maintain the service. I can see forever that we will maintain the service like it to willing to those services. We try to concrete shown it's given to us. But yes, so far this grant have. Made an impact on This coming. Comes just a MISTER CHAIRMAN, thank you, judge, for coming this evening. Sure. Couple questions. 3 to be exact. Can you tell me a little bit more about spirit courts are doing to address heightened eviction rate in Marion County in what's the structure of, for example, court. 33 with Judge Mathis family, a lot of eviction is at an exclusive arrangement or our other courts, Henley,
eviction cases as well. Eviction cases also go to small claims court Marion County. But the laws that they can actually be filed in the Superior Court as well. That was happening before was the eviction cases that will come to the scarecrow are being spread out amongst the civil courts. When we have the opportunity to look at how those were rains, we determined that probably the best course of action for consistency. In fairness is to put that under one umbrella with one judge and that would be judgment mass. And that's exactly what we've done. Judge grant the runs a full docket of a sheen only overseas evictions push overseas. Collections, some collections and traffic as well. So she does have full conviction or I'm sorry, eviction docket as to the details as to how are
run largely as we organization. We are individually elected retain judges. So I think if you have any questions, I can probably point you to her for more detail on that year. But I can tell you that it has been met quite good success in the way she's done it. I think the attorneys and the parties have a founder to be quite fair consistent. So that's the best I can tell you at this point. Sure is. I understand a plaintiff or landlord can filed directly in small claims or directly and superior. 33 through that is correct. To get those used to be just filed in the superior court itself and then spread out. So we Must the landlord filed with township in which the
property is located. There's some over and we would look to the legislature to get some clarification on that. But there is some debate as to whether or not they must or where jurisdictional. Requirements like. You see that landlords are doing any form shopping among the townships. Again, I can't answer that. I don't necessarily supervise will work with the small claims. I think the best person potentially answer that might be here would be our circuit court judge from the spirit court. Again, the only and the way we avoided what can strike us form shopping was centralized one quarter So really don't have any information on right. Probably get you that information that I don't. I'm just Did you know it's? The concern of people are running over around 2
finding a township that's, you know, the weak link in the protection of the tenants. If they're finding a township that's really heavily favoring landlords. That's a concern because obviously all landlords would file in that township. Sure. And I can tell you this, I'm not certainly an export expert on the you know, eviction when Lord tenant lot more. My up to date with how that aspect of laws around the county and if a temperature check and tell you in the past. So new that has happened, what? Something we haven't dealt with since we've put in place for 33. Sure. Okay. Having some offline discussions with Judge McMath. I just wanted try to clarify my understanding the legal kiosks. I noticed there none
listed for Washington Township. Is there a reason for that? I can't answer that as much as I him that to Chief crawl because she can give you better idea of how those were determined. The locations. Thank you, Judge. Thank you, counselor. So our goal our goal and objective is to have these kiosks and every township, the town, the challenge truly is the expense. So we did see the oven or increase go up. We didn't move the chaos that was here in the seat city County building out to center township. They had requested that. And honestly, our population dictated that. So my goal is if I can come up with about $14,000 a year, I can put one everywhere. It's a matter of about $1575 starting next year, perky asked per
month. So we're continuing to look for funding because it does make a difference. The investment of 132,000 a year to provide service to almost 2000 defendants is impactful. And it provides success. So we're continuing to look for that. In the superior court funding that and not township's themselves, correct. It is a cooperative agreement with the township. They provide the electricity and the Internet access to the device. We then cover the cost and expense of the actual kiosk in each location. There's been a discussion of asking the township's to bear that cost. We have not done that. We truly look at this is a collaborative collaborative opportunity with the townships and for some of them their pay. And they're paying quite a bit for the Internet each
month because it requires a dedicated line. So at this point, we have not reached out to do that because we believe that our collaborative relationship is much, much better affected that way. And we can cover because his clients are required pay user fees. So those user fees week in contention, we look back to put those towards the expense. I'm state part of the reason also as well a collaborative effort between touches for those functionalities probation still does fall squarely within the purview of the superior court. So I mean, we could potentially negotiate, but it's. You know, the small Clinton's career courts are different court appoint. I'm sure as this would be is if someone is going to see the probation officer and said they're going to see a kiosk. You know, we do from the probation department. So therefore, we do have to the essence. Got it. All right. Thank you.
Final question CHAIRMAN. Correct me if I'm wrong. But courts also handled criminal cases in set bail and set bond amounts. Is that correct? It is indeed. So it's not the prosecutor who decides a bond or whether defending its bail. It's it's the court's correct. Correct. I would say that they're as you MAY know, there are requirements for certain types of cases to domestic violence cases that will set an initial bond hold someone without bond for a period of time. Been with him. The sole discretion of the judge. Now there is input that the judge will take regarding how bond is and that could be from prosecutor and the defense attorney, for example, of someone's had no criminal record before. Someone has had
a criminal record for not appeared in the for and for the court before. Remember the primary reason for bond itself is too make sure that someone reappears for court in a sure their presence There other considerations such as public safety that come into So, yes, the prosecutor themselves does not do not well, they don't set bond, but they do make recommendations and to make arguments towards that. Wonderful. Thank you very much, sir. If you count comments just delaying. Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN. I noticed in your presentation as well as in the materials that you receive state in federal grants was wondering if you could tell me what those are and what the grants are being used Fells to probably give you a little bit more point to have any specifics because we do receive quite a few state federal grants. No, I just
noticed was quite large and that that appeared to be the only increase in funding. So I was just curious. What that does work. I can definitely tell you with some of those private sure are right. Throughout the United States. There's been a move for more specialized courts. Whether you agree with a flask few disagree with flat feet. There have some results to show that, for example, a special escort for drugs, drug treatment court, mostly drug court, but a drug treatment court to get people help for some of the issues they have. Has had some success. As a matter of fact, in the state of Indiana, not only punishment is not the key to any type of sentence, but, you know, restoration in getting someone back on their feet putting them on the right path pretty much the focus on set
of the union Constitution. So things such as the drug treatment court to mental health court where someone MAY have a mental health issue that wouldn't necessarily coincide with substandard probation practices were or one of the requirements might be that they would have to have a mental health provider, which we partner with. But in order to fund those particular specialized things, we do get that through grant funding reentry. Court is another one that would be so, you know, people who have had issues before who are trying to get the foot hold back in 2, the community Veterans Court is another situation where, you know, veterans. I just need a little bit more help than others and we put them in touch with veterans programs and stuff like that. So a large amount of our grants go to that. However. But there are other functions that are grant funded, such as interpreter grants. As you know, our population in Marion County becomes more diverse.
And we have people who speak various languages, everything from Haitian Creole up French the. So you MAY I mean, they speak it and the cost of those types of services for interpreters voted on out in order to maintain the ability to provide which are necessary. Constitution provisions proper interpreters for those particular client. We have to find was doing order to do it more to pay for it. We grants to do that. That's a huge part of what we're As matter of fact. Right now we are dealing with the rising cost tubers. So it's a conversation we have almost every week within our courts. Beyond that, the stuff with the youth and Family Intervention Center alternative sentencing aspects, things we can do to keep people out of the system and provide them the help that
they Even something as small as you know, guiding them towards us alcohol treatment, things like that. We use grants to fund a lot of that stuff. I mean, if the money is available in its does need for those particular programs. We try to utilize as best we can. That being said as mentioned earlier, some of the grants have a been caught as of late. And, you know, the provide some difficulty. But we're trying not to put that burden back on the county. We're trying to initiatives that would make us a least a bit more officiants right now. I can't say last forever. I can say that we MAY not coming for you in 5 years and say, hey, you know what we do need to provide interpreters. And in order to do that, we're going to be. Right now we're doing
just fine. But that's why the grant funding has gone up. Those programs have expanded. And again, the rising costs of those programs. Send us your questions. If there's anything specific you want, I'm more than happy to get that information for Are these new grants? Are they just continued? But continued grants, suppose the youth and Family Intervention Center is more of a new grant. That's the great. That's the that's the biggest rain increase that we mentioned earlier. I think. I mentioned that was really the only true large grant increase. There that would be under One that increase of 1 million, 663,000 dollars was for the family. For the Legends Center. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Consequently
know, thank you, CHAIRMAN And thank you very much for your presentation. Judge Rothenberg, I appreciate the work that you all do across the team. I have a chance to go out and visit the f y I center before it walk through there. So but I do agree. Counselor Delaney, I would appreciate judge a chart that kind lists out. Breaks down even if it's rounded estimates. Some of those programmatic things. You know, and especially flag for us. The physical body, if you foresee or know if those those cuts or related to the grants, correct as its related just to the grants? Yeah, I think I have the same question as counselor Delaney, what that
what the breakdown was. And I know that with the building, the renovation and the other things for the center that that makes perfect budgetary But would like to just see the overall break. Sherman, will get that information for you. I'm sorry, but interrupt. You will get that information for 70 again. What you'll see is a decrease in several grants and increasing that water's grants. But again, we'll get that for you. Thank you. And I know it's expensive to do some of those specialized pieces and then communicating about those especially that's why I center in connecting everyone to that resource is really great. So I urge my colleagues to visit that senator as well and then contact to crawl to do so. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN. Can also come government. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, thank you for the
presentation. Just had a question I wanted to ask going back to the fiscal highlights about the community service work, the Delta from 24 to 25 even looking at that 6 month. Total is down. And if it. 10, the next 6 months, that turns the same way that's down about like 20%. So I was just wondering, sorry, 40%. So just wondering like is there an impact matter? Is there an explanation as to why that happens? Just curious on that number. I think there could be a lot of explanations chief pro can expand out a little bit But part of it comes down to how many people are sense to community service work. Sometimes community service work is done in Louisville. Other aspects, for example, e.
Someone who has no bwi, there are a lot of to the new jail times require or community service work is required sometimes will choose to do jail. So again in a wax and wane a little bit. But I think detail can be provided a cheaper. Think a it's a great question because it does. As judge stated, it depends upon when it's ordered. It also depends on the length of time someone's on probation. So, for example, someone MAY have probation of one year. They work really hard to get it done in the first year. Others kind of put things back. So it truly is it truly fluctuates from year to year that we do options of a work crew or they can work for non for profit. All of our providers are vetted and we do follow up and fidelity review those to ensure that the providers are giving our clients what they need in our clients are being
treated well, if those facilities. So we watch it very closely. We have one staff member who has designated in this coverage through my budget that operates the program. So it really is an investment back that we can truly say goes back to the community. It's CHAIRMAN. So given that there's one person before down this year, manageable. But last year's numbers were much higher. Is that is there? Need for outsourcing? Help with that. When those numbers increase, like is there? I believe council, we've been able to manage that very well once again because our community partners to most of the work and verifying the hours and doing that work, we have been just fine with the one staff member and being able to expand that operation, that she does go out and visit
and follow up. Thank you, sir. A great thank you council. Thank you, CHAIRMAN Thanks for presentation this evening. Keep great year. I was I'm sorry. Heard a voice boy. Know, you've got others that I surgery so certainly appreciate sharing information tonight. My question regarding the fees that can confirm that. If a bond public defender fees can come out of that. Is that still? Because I think you mentioned that used to be that way. Is that still the way that is still the way can come out without any type of indigency requirement, meaning. So 2 things happen. Typically, for example, Michael, which is a misdemeanor pro. When someone has an initial hearing, I will go through whether or not they're working. If they I mean, I start with 3 basic
questions and then it kind of becomes history of things. For example, are you employed giving say if you own a car, a house, any real property? How many people the sport we go through a long list of questions sometimes in Wally quite often, a lot of people have no funding whatsoever. I mean, just don't have any money to pay anyone in those situations because of things found in it won't necessarily public defender If someone does have a job, however, MAY be paying as much as someone else's job, they might not be able to get an attorney or for a comeback for review council MAY have a because no attorney will take their case for the money. They have. I will appoint a public defender, but I will assess the public defender fees. A little public defender fees have been raised
over the past few years. But yes, short answer once this public defender fees have been assessed if they paid a bond without another indigency hearing, you can get those public defender fees. However, if it's court costs, you have to have another indigency ring at that moment. Probation. So yes, public fund fees can come out, but I would Say that we've been under the law. You have to do that. Initial indigency hearing and that's when you would assess a public defender fees. You can't just assessing if there are indigent men later, change your mind. I mean, it's either. So there's kind of 2 steps to. But, yes, you can come straight out of that. And that's what I want to cover. If you're saying that once it's been determined that an individual is indigent. And they should be eligible offender that can't be
switched in the middle of it can be switched so that so we we run into some difficulty. There can be switch if their circumstances change right fave become employed. Oftentimes Alaska it's it's sensing what's their case is Asked again, are you employed currently what's on the probation fees, that types of things in the past? You know, attorneys. Who bit appointed and I'm not, you know, saying pointing the blame it, which is really no blame here, you know, their their opinion is, hey, that's their clients. That's a client's business. And they've been appointed and they're there to handle representation, not necessarily as a client, whether or not they've got a job or whether or not they're able to hire that attorney. So they get off the case for So I mean, that's where it gets a little people. You know, my concern that an individual that is determined to be
indigent. Has family network that we're able the money together so they can resume their life while their case is being is pending. I just want confirm if we're saying that that money that they've been able to come together with and so they can resume lives continue. The work continued families. It going possibly cause them to be found, not indigent. No, I again, for the public defender You can take that bought You can take it right. So you put your mom is posted the bond for for her son. Sun is not working. He is clearly in the At the end of his case, I will assess whether or not he's working now. If he's living with mom, she's paying all of the expenses than perhaps they do take some of that bond for probationary fees, that type of thing. But we do it. But we do encourage them in through
probation to get work to to get their life on track where these me too. They know what the situation. So, it really is a case by case basis, aside from the fact that we must have the hearing again at the very end, if there's a bomb, thank you, MISTER Chair. I just wanted mention that fees of any sort. There's a problem in for an individual's been determined to be indigent during the pendency of their case. They're not able to resume there. Typically normal life. Think fees like ankle monitoring fees, cetera. Those some of those things are our charging. And welcome to understand that some of these teams, they don't fit for individuals from lower income households. So this is not a problem individuals that are not from income households, but it is for individuals moving income household and they've already been determined to be found in the
Gent. Somewhere along as it money together and it's in their life during the pendency of the case. And then there are money is going to be taken away. So this attend itself as a barrier for individuals and families will come together because individual was as we know, they're not even found guilty of this on their a kid to see other cases. So I just want to bring it to attention Chair, just as a concern of mine. Thank you, counselor. Additional comments council meeting. MR. CHAIRMAN, thank you to drop murder. I just want to say from the onset that it refreshing that we have a presiding judge or, you know, really one that leads a department that's able to go through their entire budgetary presentation. Answer all the questions that are asked. Does not happen very often. Unfortunately, even though everybody has qualified can go through and answer all the questions. And the questions and everything. It's just
refreshing. You MAY get brief 30, 45 0nd overview. What's the difference between Superior Court circuit Surprisingly, we the surprising me we have a lot of people, watch, these live streams. Sure. I can give you a really brief some superior created by statute circuit court secreted by the constitution. Every county in the state of Indiana. As a circuit court, superior courts are created and sometimes collapsed by the legislature based on need. And there's full assessment process they go through. If you if you are watching the legislative session last year, several courts in the state of Indiana had judicial officers taking away. Some had some added again based increase decrease in cases. Again, there's a measurement I'm not going to
get into. That measurement or the aspects of that measurement. But the big difference is the superior Court is function of statute. Should court is a function of constitutional creation. How each county determines what cases go, where each court. Some comes only have circuit court. So that counties going to end a lever that supports giving it everything. Some counties like once the court once Pier port, sometimes they split everything up. Marion Spirit Court has an agreement has always worked with the circuit court judge to determine what cases go where who's going to get one cases. Right now, the circuit court doesn't I don't believe they handle any criminal cases. Words we handle all the criminal cases. And again, we've dedicated certain cases
just to the purview of the circuit court. So we all kind of have the same power there. Is there certain aspects of the certain circuit court that things will fall into? For example, often election challenges will fall to the circuit court it just really defined by the Constitution uk, that's fair to say that Superior Court is the criminal Court of Marion County. Yeah. Would say that. So when we hear things tossed around like revolving door of criminal justice, seems like so many people at every level are using this term. What do you think about when you hear that? Well, first of all, I have to say that I don't really which the budget, but I will answer your question. I think was that it has been a lot of questions here find try. This isn't my I'm not
gonna say my first rodeo, but on the executive committee before and fine answering the question. But I have to preface that. I will say that every case that comes before us as dictated by the Indiana Constitution has to be dealt with as an individual case. Not all cases can be done with the same. Just saw council Graves says pointed out. Every person's situation is different in every person's situation needs to about value and whether it's their fees that are evaluated their bail being evaluated it's hard to predict long, 20 years ago when I was just a magistrate, we had someone who came into the court in was there for public intoxication case. And I really some because they didn't have any criminal history before it releases that usually youth. As matter of fact, he's probably 18, 19 years-old. Susie left the jail are being processed out. He
robbed another person who's being released. The media came to me said, why didn't you really? Some of the few knew they were gonna rob and my son. I don't have a crystal ball. Humanity is difficult to deal with. But you have to look at the empirical evidence that's in front of you when you deal with Sometimes you have to make tough choices and you have to make those tough choices as a judge. Remember as a set? Redemption rehabilitation is the primary goal as set out by the Indiana Constitution. We have to keep that in mind in every sentence we made it right. It's easy to say, hey, we should lock up as many people as possible because our city is dangerous dangerous people should be in jail. I don't disagree with that. I've lived all my life, but there's the presumption of innocence. Everyone entitled to abide by the Indiana Constitution, a reasonable bond. I would say that our
bonds, Marion County are similar because we will turn them off many, many times. So much of the other counties in the state of Indiana and the Donut counties in the state of India. Simply raising the bind because someone lives in Marion County has some implications. Again, every case needs to be dealt with the same. And I think the judges who do the hard work that we have in our building. Take that extremely seriously. I've done everything from traffic court too. Death penalty cases, too. The last big case, I have prove the murder. You know, I've seen pain on family's faces and victims and defendants families. I've seen loved ones knowing that no matter what comes out of my mouth, it will never solve the pain that's in their hearts. For 4 victims. 4
defendants, families. It just won't happen at. But regardless of all of that, you have to set those ideas aside and try to do what's best in that individual case in sometimes. That individual just needs to be removed from the community because they are being shipped to the community. When you're talking about comments such as the revolving door. We hear that a lot. And I'll tell you. Oftentimes we can't speak about because we are able to talk about individual cases where it's not especially well, they are progressing on appeal, being decided they MAY get some back down. But I can tell you the judges in Marion County take it very seriously. They take their jobs very seriously. You know, we have i have a lot of friends in the police department. I have a lot of friends in law enforcement. And I have a lot
of friends to defense. Turns and the balance between safety and the communities. Constitutional rights is a delicate one. Really, really is. I can tell you that every time I set bail. I do what I think is I can tell you that. Every colleague of mine who sets bail, they do what they think is best. No point to the figure on just gonna let everyone out because that's just how it should be. No, that's taken extremely seriously, especially sentences. You know, I've said people. To what it was essentially a life sentence, 210 years. I sadly ice had a 21 year-old. For part of a quadruple murder, right? Send someone for life to life in prison. I've also send someone for time served on the case. Just have to look at each and
every case. So. It's a long answer to a short question. But in some ways as a judge, you have to set those comments that your side because we are still given the duty to look at each individual case individually with concern for the community and the safety of the community. But at the same time for the rehabilitation of the people in France. So some of that's been brought up already tonight has been bond. And how the prosecutors involved in that process. A judge still has to set the bond in conjunction with taking advice from the prosecutor as a prosecutor, you involved in that and especially when it comes to like plea deals as well. The judge has to sign off on the plea deal. Correct. The judge has accept or not
accept a plea deal. As a former prosecutor myself, although that was well over 25 years ago, I can tell you that oftentimes the parties know a lot more about those cases. Then the judge themselves and sometimes a judge will question question that before. I was a major filling a question to quite a bit. And if they were to be able to explain the circumstance pine, the particular plea, it would be except that it's not. Essentially the judge does determine what that is and determines whether that's a just plea deal. Aurora sentence. If someone's convicted member, please, just an admission of guilt, its its an agreement between the parties. The judge really has nothing to do with it as long as they accept they're actually bound. It wants to
accepted by the terms of that pleading that less is a violation later on which when the judge can verify not verify a very firm that plea deal in re-sentencing or revoking someone's probation or or changing a But getting back to your actual question. Judges are given discretion as they should be to deal with circumstances. Certain circumstances. I've said this many times. Bon-ton be set levels of the bonds can be set by the legislature. And if the legislature changes the laws and as they have already with domestic violence, domestic violence, defendants who must remain in jail for a period of time. We abide by the law that's what it is. No one I can assure you. No one at this at the cj. So, you know, judges parking but re going. The legislature can't do that. No, that's the legislature's role. Legislature's rules to
make the last prosecutors will prosecute cases. The fence, regionals defensemen within the role within the bounds of the constitution. And the judge's role is to determine whether or not someone sentence is correct. Someone's bail is correct. Aspects of the case or practice. And I can tell you that it's taken extremely serious by me and my colleagues. Appreciate that. And something that's been brought up a lot of the past couple months is juvenile. Crime here in Marion County. It seems like one common complaint that we keep hearing from law enforcement is that they do not have access. The court records of juveniles who have committed crimes. It's been a constant request that they would like that access. I I've been in contact with Chief Bailey regarding that particular aspect and there's
a long history behind that that I'm more than happy to have a conversation about it. It is 8 infecting long history behind it. But there's a reason we're in the position but I but we are moving towards giving them the information that that's necessary and required. While at the same time there's information on juvenile cases that to not as you MAY know or do something that can be given. For example. Things evolve to certain use of certain. I mean, there's certain things require that or constitute are that are confidential by the law. Now, that doesn't mean that what will the information that's being asked for camp together? I'm just saying there are certain certain circumstances that can't be given. For example, you can't just give anyone access to. I want to say a database, but the violent system because that would have information regarding. Again. It's a really long explanation
regarding You know. I really I really it's a long explanation I can tell you that we are addressing that situation currently, as a matter of fact, like I I wasn't as of last mean the police chief. All right. Are you committed to giving them the information? The information, all information that legally they can be given committed to getting. But I should also tell you the Legislature's aren't Legislatures are last year made laws. They claim the state repository of that information which can be gotten through the state police. So we but we are still trying to facilitate even more information that they can get for easier access to that. So we're committed to doing that word again. We're committed to giving them the information that they they want, the information they need make that will help them determine whether or not a juvenile is a
criminal history. Absolutely. Council councilor. Just I'm scared. Thank you, judge. Very wise. I mean, question for I know this isn't follow and you're All the Hispanics across the country doing the rest. It was process. What your thoughts on that? And they they pick him street go right to jail. Would you be with no due process? In a lot of the was pretty clear that there has for someone to be arrested even if the arrests this year for someone who is here of illegal status doesn't have legal status in the in the United States America. There has to be a reasonable suspicion. The very least for the that taking him and not given the chance to go to the courts can say this and it's going to sound like an excuse, but it's 100% true. What I believe actually doesn't matter what's left. I follow the rule of law through of
this is what happens is what happens losses. This is not to process, correct. I think 2 processes should always be afforded to everyone. Thank you. Council heart. Thank you as chair. I want switch gears a little bit different different type of court civil civil violations. All right. Did civil court, too? So also can answer that question. Yes. So it is one of the things that I'd say a as a counselor. I see a lot more prominently do with business use cases things of that nature. You know, one of the challenges that that we've seen are least I've seen as a counselor is the amount of time that's made available to the city prosecutor to come in and have some of those civil cases heard. How much time is that court hearing cases a week? Honestly, I think that's another question that would have to go to judgment, Mathis. She's more particularly I can get that
information for you. I don't have enough I believe it's 4 hours Wednesday in the morning and which is entitled, which is entirely possible. I don't. And that's for city nearly a million people a lot of violations and nowhere. You know, we spent a lot time out, you know, speak for myself, but a lot of times it's on economic development and growing community out on the east side and holding individuals and businesses specifically businesses accountable for being fad businesses. And we're struggling on our side of town, not only for the availability of the time that court is available, but also the amount of continuances that are happening as it
pertains to the budget. I'm Kirstin specifically how much is allocated to that court this coming year and how much more we need to be allocated to that court to ensure that we have more time to hear cases. There's that is particular a particular allocation each individual court. To hear more cases. What you probably need a more traditional officers ultimately, right, a lot of those cases get settled before they even come by agreement between the parties between corporation counsel or the city prosecutor and the parties themselves. Only problem with having more judicial officers. And goes back to the question that was asked earlier years, how many judicial officers are or how many court you have, which again, the question that was asked circuit court in Spirit court. The determination of
how many judicial officers you have is by mechanism through the Supreme Court through the Legislature. It should be pointed out that when you do that calculation to determine how many court you have, we all have to be within a variance. And there's a formula that equation that determines what that variances and variances basically how many cases this judge hears. Spread a crowd. That's how we determine how many family courts or how many civil courts or have how they might be one court that deals with civil prosecutions or civil cases like that. It really depends how many cases there are. We can't simply allocate another judicial officer because that would cut down that would be it that would make the variance too wide of a variance. So even though even though it's a civil
violation case. You still have to compared to all of the other courts in Marion County, right? That's why, for example, there are 4 traffic courts there used to be when they when they started the whole equation. And I was also the traffic court judge long time ago. The requirement look like we needed about 12 traffic court judges. It can be done by one person right as to how many cases go through on that Wednesday morning. I don't know judges work at different paces. For example, I do a criminal court docket. I move pretty quick. I can tell you on a regular Tuesday morning through my probation, regular docket, I'll hear 50 to 60 cases. Some judges can't do that. That's just not how quickly can move through. I don't have the specific number on, but I can get that number for you regarding judgment mass. I can tell you that we do look at that variance. We do look at the amount of
cases. The system is called the way the caseload system. By the way, if you want to look it up, you can who would you can. You can see how the equation is all works out, determining what workers were in the division were committing county. That's what we have to depend just want you that, you know, I I was speaking with past and current city prosecutors in the things that they're doing as they are prioritizing the cases because know there's so much time available in that court, which is telling me there's not enough time available in that court and whether it's its head count in your character character, or whatever that looks like a I'm confident we need to make an adjustment to have more time available for city prosecutor to get through the case so that they have so
we can provide the quality of life in service to the citizens of Minneapolis. And I would say this, I would say I don't think the answer to those bunch to as much judicial commi and we'll take a look at as far as maybe adding another doctor or something to that I'll talk judge map the commode. Thank you We want to own because beat the Supreme presentations evening. See no. Thank you, Judge. Thank Thank you very much. Council CHAIRMAN. I appreciate time. And again, if you do have other follow-up questions always available spell just like it sounds Markham, Mayor Rothenberg, it in Gov. And I would be happy to reach out answer any questions. You. Thank you, judge. Up next, Mary, certain court. Taser gun or in front of us. Just Amber Collins. Welcome, Judge. Good evening.
Thank you for allowing me present tonight. Good evening to the chair of the members of the committee. My name is Amber Collins you. The Marion Circuit Court judge and if there are any other questions, like to begin the program. Please begin. Thank you. Has to drop pointed out. The Mayor Circuit court is the only constitutionally create a court in the state Iran, Marion County, every county in Indiana has one constitutionally create a court. That is the circuit court. The Circuit court in Marion County is divided into 2 divisions. We have the title for the division, which is we hear cases under title 40 of the Social Security Act. Those cases are child support enforcement and collection cases in which the state of Indiana is also a party to the
case along with the use of the story on custodial parent, which is using the mother and the father. We also have a civil division and Marion Circuit courts. We hear about 0.5% of the general civil cases. That's everything from out of car accidents. We also hear exclusively all of the name and gender change cases or certificate cases. We do get certain election like an election recount case. Well, as there's a conflict interest, we hear all quiet have a cases, administrative specialist driving privileges cases in the county, which is a lot of a lot of the civil cases for the quarter. So for a prison, the litigants. So the agency staffing for the 2 divisions, the title for the division has want full-time ministry and one part-time industry. The civil Division has myself the presiding
judge. There's a full-time magistrate also hear civil cases and then part-time magistrate from the title for the division. Also about a 3rd of his case alone is other civil cases. So he hears. 40 cases about 6 or 7 dockets a week then 2 to 3 other daca hear civil cases. And then the Marriott Circuit Court also funds a navigator with the legal help center because so many of our cases are self represented. A lot of pride between 18 and 25% of the foot traffic and illegal help center for circuit court cases. I guess some of their programming in fiscal successes for the merits or courts. Like I mentioned earlier, the mayor in circuit court here is all of the name
and gender change cases correction of or certificate cases. I'm and county that dock. It has exploded and I put some statistics and the presentation in 2023, there are 483 total cases of that. I filed in Marin County in 2025. We've already between JANUARY first and MAY 31st of this year. We had over 508. So we've already exceeded the total number that we had. 2023. Were projected to hear over 1000 of those case types. And we've absorbed most of that extra work just with the staff that we already had. Most of those people are suffering presenting its all the core and staff. Does most of the work for those cases. We also preside over the title 40 cases, some of the funding because 40 is a partially federally funded program.
Of the expenses for the title for the doc are reimbursed to the county and the general fund. And that number was about 108,000 last year and also the circuit court has done a lot of community outreach I kind of created a program for local use. Sometimes they come to the court. Sometimes I go to the schools they do my 40 years. They do mock trials it's really a good way to get a lot of the local teens. And so the court just so they can see like Orson, always scary, are not always in here. If you're in trouble. So it's been a really successful program. All the kids that have come through it have really enjoyed it. I am pt impd Teen Academy came on the same floor and academy Earth Summer Academy
which is run by some of the eye of the officers. They came in I-40 years. So they really enjoyed it. And we are trying expand that next year. There's a picture. A couple no pay states. That's I have the summer camp, they came. They took a tour of the building. They sat through a mock mortier process to see what would be like to be a potential juror. We have volunteers from the prosecutor and public defender office. I had a fake case. And they got to do a mock trial or part of a mock trial to see what the board your experience will be like. So they really enjoyed And they have a lot of questions. I got to talk to an attorney and a judge and see what life and kind of like what they ask questions. I will have represent someone if you know they're guilty. So they really enjoyed and learned a lot. I think.
Circuit courts priorities throughout 2026. Are to continue to run an efficient and cost-effective courts. The court MAY potentially like I said, we had an explosion, a name change cases. Also the civil collection case in the fortunately have increased dramatically with the toughening economy. So we MAY need to add and additional course af person and the court to increase this community outreach overall and to show the court that so the community that the court is the safe place, that's not always scary and that the courts system is there to help. The community were here to start of the community that our function. Our budget right now. Our total budget for 2026 is 1 million, 307,930 $5 there's a decrease of total
decrease of $20,135. The revenue that the court Ronayne like. I talked about the title for the federal reimbursement because that's a grant fund Re re funded program was about 108,000 back to the county. Our character wine total for 2026 is projected to be $903,334. There's a decrease of $83,726. Our character to was flat with $5,000. Our character 3, there's an increase. 60 that $63,590. The total character 3 for next year is 395. $395,802. And the increases are mostly for I sa required building expenses that we have to pay. And then our character for budget was
flat at $3,000. Does anyone have any questions? Thank you, Judge. Appreciate you. Comes the course of a circuit judge. We would just remain. MR. CHAIRMAN and thank guys for being So how do pronounce your last name again? Collins, get review it perfect. I just want to make sure I said it because the court able to leverage feasibly. Remember seeing that some where are you guys able to? Do you guys have fees or fines? So we don't have fines. We don't do criminal. We do collect filing fees is just number Israeli the civil cases where you pay filing, please not the 40 cases the state of Indiana gets those fees waived. But we have to assess every case or every person is
able to file a petition away the filing fee in our review. All of those if the person truly is indigent, if they're on, you know, Tanf or Medicare, Medicaid and those automatically you wave, if they're working in their lower wage and they have a lot of children often lay them. I've had people ask for filing fees make $200,000. Obviously those get rejected. So it is a case by case basis, but everybody is entitled to request one on a civil case. But you don't have the ability to leverage fines, not civil court. We can. I love like a time. I was really an article maybe it outdated and I'm sure we can talk about the case because the case is closed and unfortunately those involved in it has since passed away.
Looked like it said the find the mom was 5 year-old toddler. No, we cannot find people. And that was actually a family law case. And we do not find people, family law cases. Okay. What are your thoughts on that case? I can't talk about the case because this case is technically still open. Prohibited by rules and talking about cases that are still pending. For any case, even if it's close. I think the issue the a lot of people haven't. I know you're in the audience for the previous back and forth with Judge Rothenberg. Is that people look, the court system. And they see people like this are as mom treated harsher by judges. Then that's the go out and commit domestic violence against moms and kids. And we end up seeing the result of
that. On the evening news. So I ask as you go forward. Be a lot harsher. MAY be a lot stronger. On these cases so that way they don't end up on the evening news. Council district comments custom scary. CHAIRMAN, how long have been a judge just counts. I've been the judges and circuit court for 3 years. I was the magistrate or for Cheryl Lanes. For 3 years. Amassing question asked judge even do process from Hispanics being rounded up. I do ok, and you know, it's it's really sad. Americans but didn't get chance to go to the judge. And that's what's sad. You're just jails and some Ocon concentration camps. But you Thank you. I believe everyone is entitled to at least a figure. Judge, thank you council. Comments, council boots. MISTER CHAIRMAN, thank you. Judge Collins for
appearing this evening. Just want to follow up on the cause of the conversation. We have a judge dropped an burgers. Well, can you just expand on delineation between cases that you handle versus superior court and who decides that house? That process carried up. So I think just drive them are kind of talk on the way. The case also is kind of complicated. But every case in Indiana case type in Indiana gets assigned a certain number of minutes and then they take the minutes and do a calculation it. Do calls out as to how many judicial officers you can have in every court. So probably about every 2 years. The Marion County courts all together, every court the state has to submit a plan. And as to how the cases are going to be
allocated, who's going to hear what and how many judicial officers are going to be dedicated to each type of case. So I meet with the executive committee every 2 years and we kind of sift through the resources that I have, the resources that they have. I have certain judicial officers have to your family cases just because of the way their designated. So basically based off the negotiation and I have to hear certain civil cases by statute. So we just kind of come to an agreement about what courts here. What? So it's kind of easier to keep civil cases in a court that already has to hear cases as opposed to sticking park criminal cases in a court that has to have family and criminal cases. So we just kind of is statutory and also a creature of. The way case.
Do. Both court sometimes will handle cases of similar nature. Yes. Thank you, Council Council government. Thank you. MISTER Skews me. Thank you for your presentation. I sort of have to questions that are maybe a little belated. So when you talked about character one, the decrease looks like about a salary. Is that was that a salary or maybe 2, depending on what the role was is that wasn't a position that had gone unfilled. Or their folks taking cats. That was a position that had not been filled yet. So nobody was cut. And then so going back to earlier in the presentation, we talked about the navigator in the that helping those theirselves self representing. Then the couple slides later.
You mentioned maybe needing to add someone else one of the things because I know we have this budgetary constraint, right, like we have these dollars that we're trying to make work. I would encourage maybe if you could partner with local colleges, universities and maybe start an internship program because that would be a great way for folks that are wanting to work to do even service hours or something. And I'd be happy to like have conversation offline. But that could be a way to kind of help with that low. That Navigator case load are hours later or whatever. And still meet your budget line. So I do often law school acts turn to calm. They get credit and they can help do certain functions. But I do appreciate the suggestion might be helpful to get of undergrad in turn to help with some of the more administrative work I was
gonna say undergrads are good and they're hungry for it, right? So that experience. So, yes, I'm sure you could find some really good folks in Thank Thank you. Council Council Grace. Thanks, MISTER CHAIRMAN. To judge see I notice on the the programmatic and fiscal successes. You mentioned that you have the youth program and it's only to improve the course standing in the community. Why isn't it? Important to Yeah. I grew up in the community and I do a lot of use functions. And I. And I used to be a prosecutor, Ashley, and I think people always had a negative connotation that the and the courts are bad, especially inner city youth always have the most. They from their perspective, positive interactions with law enforcement. So I think it's
important too. Been added been a West line. This show all those other use that, you know, the court has functions and, you know, they have to stay outside you know, we just lock people up for, you know, this show them. There certain careers that they might not thought of like I want a less line and into my trial with him. And I asked I want to be a lawyer. No one wanted to be a lawyer than but 3 of you were like, I like to be a detective talk to me about what they do. So I do think it's good to show them kind of just have the function of the court, how it all the different roles and they give them experience to world that they don't always see. That's that's exactly what I was thinking. So thank you for that explanation. Share that
same. MISTER Chair. I just want to say, I really would love to have more presence in our communities, too, dispel some of the believes in our communities. That's certain parts of justice system. Absolutely. Our enemies. And I think that if we see more of our judicial members on the committee MAY be, though, help calming down. I think there's a lot of residual effects positive effects that I think can happen. I won't go into. But I do think that there can only be good things if we see more of what judge is doing in the in the community across not only circuit but Supreme as well. Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN. Accounts, additional comments, just a co-counsel heart. I'm a I'm just, you know, looking over the expense, but entity and the one thing really caught my eye on was the employee benefits.
None of those historically go just for any organization just to the health care cost more anything else. But I noticed you are 20. 24 to 25 jumps pretty substantial. 75% from 289,000. And then again, it's about another 40% jump. Up 26. What are all you, including inside of employee benefits? It is. Well, I don't control expenses for benefits. They're saying about the county. So all of my staff are on. Besides the judicial officers who some of them receive state benefits. On county benefits and a lot of them do have families. So their tears are a little bit higher. And I know the benefits went up and I'm completely absorbing the cost of that in my current budget. So there's no there's nothing decisions. The standard care. There's a although they did ap, they get Parker. Okay. Yeah. That looks don't have to start looking some of these
comparatively because your jumps look significantly higher at least comparing to the superior court. Your percentages are much higher than theirs thank you. Thank you. Thank you council. The anyone in the owners could speak to this proposed this presentation by the judge. You know, thank you so much. Thank Have a baby. Up next, our 3rd presentation is Marion County Coroner's Office. With most of most risky and how get present. Thank you. Good evening, MR. CHAIRMAN and members of the Public Safety Committee, McGinty, Marion County Coroner, thank you for the opportunity to present our 2026 budget to you to die. As we prepare for the year ahead. We recognize. Our department like many others. We'll have
to face some challenges. And we fully expect to be able to work within these challenges. But we understand that there are going to be challenges that lie ahead for us in our agency. And we remain committed to our responsibilities to meeting our needs of the community. And despite these challenges, we are focused on continuing to serve residents conducting death investigation as to the best of our ability. And these adjustments MAY require some creative solutions. Dedicated to maintaining the high standard of death investigations. Just a little bit about our agency overview, as you know, agency is comprised of the elected official. We have 3 departments administration investigations and pathology. Our agency staffing. I am
confident and comfortable that our agency staffing structure is first and talented individuals who make up our team. We take pride in this diversity and remain committed to fostering and environment where everyone feels included and valued. The mind. The majority of our staff are comprised of women and collectively and leadership. We bring over 4 decades of experience within our agency. Me myself. I have over 28 years of experience with the Marion County Coroner's office. And we feel this is important and it plays a critical role guiding us challenges and opportunities as we move forward. We work closely with hr and the Office of Finance and Management to cremate create more internal advancement opportunities
within our agency through various types of middle management position leads designed to retain talent and promote employees who meet higher work standards as this is a very difficult job to do in our community. So to support staff, pro and more out, we utilize initiatives such as internships, community education programs, cultural, competency, training and we prioritize staff appreciation events and activities helping to build a strong sense of community in our workforce. As an international city. It is important that our staff remain a 2 to the evolving cultural demographics of the individuals that we serve. We want every person from staff to families that we serve to feel understood, represented and respected are inclusive. Workplace culture is about a
nation of our work and ensuring that we continue to serve the community in the best way possible. So just looking at some of our program programmatic and fiscal successes over the past year. We have achieved significant programmatic and fiscal successes. These accomplishments are the result of our hard work in collaboration and a deep commitment to meeting our community needs. One of our most notable achievements was in data. Modernization. And with that, I have to give a big shout out to I sa because they were very integral it in making sure that we were able to do this state about her is a shun we had now become one of the leading coroners and medical examiners to do this type of work. What this does is it strengthens our
opportunity to enhance improvements in various capacities so that we can decrease turnaround times so far all operations. What we do is we collaborate with jurisdictions such as the state we set a new standard for improving public safety and public service delivery. So we've also made important strides in improving internal processes as well by upgrading our case management system to increase efficiency, reduce errors and make it easier for staff to provide quality service while reducing manual data entry and improving turnaround times on much needed death certificates that the families need to proceed forward. Following the death of their loved one. One the key initiatives is the continuation of our social workers as well in our family advocate. This has been funded
by the opioid settlement dollars. This program provides direct support to families affected by the opioid crisis. Homicide death investigations and it helps to meet their emotional and social needs during difficult times in assisting in long-term recovery with grief following the death of a loved one. The successes reflect our agency's ability to adapt and innovate route. Remaining focused on serving the community with passion, excellence and respect. So we are involved in community engagement and outreach. So often times people say, well, why is the coroner's office here? Because it is our job to also educate our community to prevent dance. So while we conduct death investigations, we are responsible for education to prevent those deaths as well. So we connect with communities
through various partnerships that enhanced services to Marion County residents. And we want to continue in that effort. So we've optimized. Our community service by also adding Spanish speaking staff he and integrating social workers and family advocates to better support individuals and families. As you can see, some of the work and partnerships that that we have had on screen there. So we also work with those that are in the underserved populations. And in my opinion language and cultural barriers have not prevented anyone from receiving help. We do use interpreters, but we also have partnerships that we connect with that can help us with, for example, Haitians speaking Creel speaking families that
need assistance in conducting when we conduct death investigations. So that's been helpful. So most importantly, for the last 2 consecutive years, we've seen a decrease in drug overdose deaths. But this is a clear indication that these programs that we have are working and making a difference in our community and in 2024, as you see, you have the annual report before you. It offers a detailed breakdown of these trains and other key statistics reflecting the work that we do. Looking ahead to 2026. Plan to build upon the successes of our current initiatives within vicious goals. We plan to expand data modernization and stay in the forefront of efficient data-driven decision making program priorities include
continuing community education and outreach are expected outcomes, focus on reducing child fatality deaths from accidental gunshot wound injuries in 2023. There were 3 incidents involving children under teen increasing to 4 in 2024. And with 3 already in 2025, under the age of 3. So there have 3 incidents is 40 that are 2 and under. And this is getting access to guns in the home. So we are now working in our community to distribute gun boxes and gun locks so that families have access to those resources to prevent those deaths from occurring. So we remain committed to reducing those
overdose deaths and continuing community violence prevention, education, both critical to safety and the well-being of our residents. So moving to the budget you've heard about accomplishments over the past year. So looking at our overall budget, we're looking at a reduction of about 228,000. A 3% decrease are cut in our county general budget overall while financial constraints often require difficult decisions. It's important to understand the broader impact that these cuts will have on our community. So in more detail to account for the increases in cola in health insurance, which
already been highlighted a little bit. This read that resulted in a reduction of 428,000 dollars or about 15% from our uncontrolled operational budget. So when we say an control, we made operational dollars outside of those charge backs. Are those strikes back accounts? So maintaining current service levels could be in challenging. But this is not my first rodeo with budget cuts and reductions. So we will definitely work with a weapon to try to maintain operations and the things that we need to do in terms of conducting death investigations through that process and fulfilling our mission of work. Are looking at revenue. So one of the
things that has happened over the last 2 years is a discussion around charging other county coroner's. For the autopsies that we perform. So typically because Marin County has a significant number of the hospitals that except those trauma cases. So trauma hospitals, a lot patients as they become Deceit, die in those hospitals. And what is historically happened is we have been unable to collect money from those county coroner's when the deceit when the incident occurs in another county and the deceit and dies here in Marion County, we have
been more diligent in making sure that the law supports the opportunity for us to collect the fee for those pathology services. So we are now charging those counties as we shift for those pathology services. For example, an autopsy to be performed. So there's a process that we go through with that. So that is also increasing the revenue. The other thing that we're doing is we are being more diligent in the fees that are assessed for records. Request. There's a lot of litigation taking place outside of Mary within Marion County. And we're being very diligent in charging La farms for those fees that we are rightly owed for copying and recording information. Also photos, lots of things related to the death investigation. So we are
keeping track of those requests that are coming in and charging those fees for that. So that's another increase in their potential revenue that we have. We're also seeing a significant increase in families that able to cover the cost of funeral services. And so what happens is the families will leave the decisions in our care for significant amount of time. And what we try to do is give them the opportunity. But oftentimes they simply tell us we just don't have the money. So what happens is we cremate the deceit and we have the family relinquish their rights to U.S. Week remake the deceit and that funding actually comes from the auditor's
office. But we will also offer to the family like we don't want to hold the cream names of their loved ones. So we will offer the opportunity for the families to just simply pay the cost to recoup the cost that it took for us to cremate and put that back into the general fund and oftentimes that happens. But when it does not, we then have a what we call a final disposition ceremony where we will take those cremains and we will place them in what's called it. Also wary where we will then honor those 2 scenes that have gone unclaimed with office. So looking Cree Inc as we know, the landscape of grants is kind of tricky at this point. So we do know that we have retained some federal funding at 60% of fortunately for 2026, we don't know the
exact amount for one of the federal grants overdose to action that currently a couple of Deputy corners and some supplies the in contractual work. The other grant that really we have no idea about for 2026. Also finds a deputy coroner in some supplies. We just received the help. First, Indiana, which is federally funded as well. And that's a partnership with the Marion County Public Health Department for 2025. In 2026. For some contractual work and community advocate for our agency. And then we are still funded under the opioid settlement funds. And we have deputy corners that are funded in a family advocate, social workers that also funded under opioid settlement. Now what we
don't know right now is the extent to which the social workers will be continuously funded under that opioid settlement. We just had conversations about that. And so we're going to re evaluate that in the fall to see kind of where we stay. We were given mental health dollars to support the mental health. Those families under the opioid settlement beginning back in 2022. 2023, we've got about a million dollars for that. And so we're still going through those funds and distributing those free mental health services to our community that we have received under the opioid settlement funds. So when care to one of the budget breakdown is a 5% increase in the county general fund. That's primarily due to cola and health
insurance. Character we remove will some of those funds a 75,000 dollars of those were a reduction in our in our budget primarily what that kind of like weights to is small office equipment for talk, roughy supplies, uniforms and safety supplies for death investigations to be content conducted. The only concern would be that these challenges MAY become bout compounded by tears. We don't know what that looks like at this point. But obviously some of the service providers MAY I add additional cost on to some of those supplies for shipping and the cost of those supplies. And
because of you MAY be possible tariffs. We don't know what that looks like. It. In character 3. We had a total loss of about 294,638. This was primarily in uncontrolled and operational budget losses. So a total of 354,000 or about 13% was removed or reduced in this funding is primarily for forensic pathologist. Now, the forensic pathologist are the doctors that provide the autopsies for office. We've been in contact with to let them know. We don't know what the landscape of death investigations are going to look like in 2026. We hope that those death investigations will continue to trend down. However, if we see a spike in death investigations, it obviously requires a forensic pathologist who performed those autopsies. And so there have been discussions that if
we have to come back next year, depending on what the landscape looks like. And we will have to ask for some additional funding to support that Indiana law requires that we hire forensic pathologist to perform autopsies so that we can get results of the cause and manner of death. So that's just within the scope of what is required under Indiana law for performing autopsies in using those forensic pathologist services for that. And then in character for him. We have a loss of about 17,000. Really what that looks like is some autopsy equipment and fleet replacements. So we had planned to replace some of our fleet. We do a lot of driving across the city to conduct death investigations. So some of the vehicles are starting
to age and we we understand that we're not able to purchase new new vehicles, but we want to make sure that if in the event we have that transport to see those vans when they break down. It is a significant cost to repair and or to replace, though. So we want to just make sure that we're transparent and what that need might look like in the event that we have some of those fleet issues for 2026. And so in conclusion with with that you can you ask questions. But one of the things that I wanted to highlight was, you know, despite our the challenges that we MAY face, we just want to be transparent that we don't know what the landscape looks like across the board. We are willing to make sure that we can live within our means. But obviously that's
based on the number of death investigations that we are conducting and what is happening with autopsies as well as equipment and supplies that we really depend on to make sure that we have accurate death investigations, accurate causes and manners of death. So with that, I'll take questions. Thank you so much for your presentation. Council miscarried. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN. Thank you. Annual report. I think it's going to answer a lot of questions you haven't taken a $0.10 tour. The new facility have to myself and counselor. I went to the old facility. Mind what you're dealing with are using and city's unbelievable. I don't go through it while you
occupy. I mean, I went in as moving cutting, thank you for everything you do have thank you. This becomes a question. Counsel boots. Thank MR. CHAIRMAN thank you, Man Court. MADAM Corner. Appreciated. I see you're taking a break from the state I will be going right back there when I'm done here. All right. The comment just a couple quick questions. One I just want to highlight a spectacular thing that I think you guys do. And that is the unclaimed, too, to ceremonies I had the poor fortune of having a classmate. Who passed away and no one claimed his remains. High school class. Got together to have a ceremony. And it you or people that did such a beautiful ceremony. And had the dubs and in that and it just really struck home. The compassion that your office shows the wonderful things that you did. Thank did. I will never forget
that. Thank you. Can I speak to that too? Just for a second because I've been asked to come to various states and talk about the unclaimed ceremony that we do because we I believe that in life and in death, everyone deserves dignity and respect. And so multiple states from Kentucky to Pennsylvania have ask me to come and share what we do with respect to giving dignity and respect to those that have been unclaimed. That wonderful. Thank you. The do you see impact on your? On your budget with the reduction of criminal homicides and reduction of deaths with the reduction in crime in general and Marion County. Yes, obviously, you know, it takes a lot of time perform an autopsy on a homicide case. Not only that, but our forensic pathologist also go
in testify in those trials. So then also what we have to do is we pay for that. So we pay for forensic pathologist when they perform those autopsies to come back because oftentimes they're not from Indiana to come back and testify in those cases. And we get a lot of positive feedback from the prosecutor's office from the pathologist being able to come back and testify as to what the cause and manner of death is on these cases in court. So it does So obviously, if there's a decrease in homicides, that's fewer numbers. Forensic pathologist that we have to pay to perform those autopsies, but also to come back and testify in those cases. The final question, Sir, Justin. I'm looking particularly at slide number forward. Just looking at some
of the key initiative outcomes are you comfortable that everything you're doing, particularly in the way of family advocacy? He's with opioid settlement that making sure there's not some overlap here with what other county or city agencies might be doing to make sure we're having some wasteful spending by duplicative Yes, because our cases are very unique. So we're reaching out to those families that have been directly impacted by homicides overdose deaths, which is what the opioid settlement dollars specifically required for us to do. And so when we make those referrals for those mental health services that are free, those referrals go directly to the mental health
providers that we have on contract. And so we follow those cases to ashore that those families are being served and oftentimes they're not able to be served by other means or other resources. So we follow those cases specifically for the coroner's cases and the death investigations that have been conducted by our office. Now, what we do is we still go out and share that information with those in the community that would not otherwise know about free mental health resources that are available for those that have been impacted by trauma and overdose deaths. Right? This people are very private about that. And so we do make sure that there's no we try to make sure that with our mental health providers that there is
no overlap. And one other thing that I want to point out about that is what's happening with our youth and the youth that are impacted in the schools. So we make sure that we are going to those schools. So those students that are impacted in know, those other students that have lost their lives. Imagine the trauma that they are dealing with when their friends are being shot and killed. So it is the ultimate goal to make sure that that issue is being addressed and often times it's not being addressed. There are there is a shortage of providers that can provide resources and mental health support to those of you. Wonderful. Thank you. And keep up the wonderful work places. Thank Council Council Perkins. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, comment. And then a I want to
share alongside Waterman Boost. A shared apart of my other role in the community is to serve clergy and a pastor of a church. And I've been at more than 3 homes this year where your staff has shown up for the remains of a loved one. And I just want to publicly thank you. For the care that they have shared with some my members, whether that is 2 o'clock in the afternoon or 3 o'clock in the morning that they honor the families, every opportunity that I've had to interact with them. What you can imagine is a very difficult time for families. They have shown absolut care and professionalism in doing that work. Just want to say thank
you. I want you to share that with the with the U.S. Because oftentimes this is not the greatest time, right? And we have to manage through with families. My question for you is I remember last year we open in the new facility that there's some conversation around full-time versus contract for a pathologist and how much it costs. So at this time, by in 2025, how many full-time part-time pathologist who you have and how much just that typical typically cost in terms hiring up with officers. Okay. Forensic pathologist all contracted right? We have 5 that are regular forensic pathologist that. Live here in Indianapolis that are fully sort of funded by the dollars that are within our what we
kind of plan out right? So 5 of end, then we have other forensic pathologist that are what we call locums and that is happening across the nation where corners and medical examiner offices high or low comes because they don't have enough on staff. Forensic pathologist who covered the case load because forensic pathologist are only supposed to perform 250 autopsies a year solo comes then coming in and we have those contract. It about almost $600,000 to pay for those low comes to come in and help support our local forensic pathologist to a performing autopsies. That is a growing trend that many corners and medical examiners
have discussed because what it comes down to is we end up paying a little bit more for locums, but we have no choice because of the shortage. Forensic pathologist. So imagine if there's a shortage, you can pretty much charge premium for services and that's what is happening across the nation where you cannot staff them. They like the freedom to travel and go to different places and performance top season, take vacations whenever they want. And because there's a shortage, they can do it because we need them. They are needed and required for these autopsies that have to be performed according to laws across the nation. So that's kind of where we are with those. So we have some better standard here that want to be
here live in Indianapolis. But then we have others that we have to contract to fly in from various places and assist with supporting our local staff. Our local contractors. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN Mask a quick follow-up. What is a typical turnaround in terms of time from the time of death to perform in and that asset because as you in working with families, sometimes we have to wait for that process. Yes. So what's a typical time? So typically within 48 hours and examination will be conducted. So we conduct an autopsy or an exam within 48 hours of receiving that deceit and within our facility. Then from we obviously if we can determine a cause and manner of death at that particular time, we issue a death
certificate with that. If not, then we pin that based on toxicology and histology and other ancillary test that we MAY need to determine that cause and manner of death. Sometimes that can go out, especially on defense children. Complex that can go up to 8 to 12 weeks to get that cause and manner of death because there are so many tests that need to be done and sometimes don't know all the answers. So we MAY ask for additional tests to be completed. So in all, I start looking at cases at about 10 weeks like, ok, what's the problem here? What else do we need to do? How could we expedite this to get the accurate cause and manner of death based on the examination that's completed? Council. Also graze. That's good to
her. I did notice that there was substantial drops and a lot of the different categories of deaths. And that's that's want to But I did also noticed that there was one interesting sharp rise in one of the categories in a suicide. I know you are at you're beginning in treat your introduction to this situation is once that's happened. But do you have any explanation as to why we might have seen a 35% increase in suicidal and 24 calendar year 24. So what we typically do is collect information during the course of the investigation. Oftentimes what we are seeing is mental health issues that are untreated and undiagnosed as well. So we asked those questions. What is happening, what MAY have caused someone
to want to commit suicide? Oftentimes it is a lack of availability of mental health resources that props people who are dealing with mental health issues to commit suicide. So one of the things that are done initiative looking at those suicides and looking at how can we prevent that? And part of it is providing mental health resources to those people who need it. Thank Council heart. Council. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, couple things it I'm glad I've got this report front of me because I can see some pictures of what appears to be the new facility and that is a phenomenal upgrade. I have from what I saw that then. Yes, I have not forgotten. So well done on
that. And I think you're in a different roles. The last time I was there to graduations on that as well. Thanks. But also I don't want to breeze over the topic that I find important across every agency near the first talk about today. It's the first budget hearing ahead of the many those into and it was technology and grateful for investment vision and utilizing that to improve efficiencies, manage case. Load everything that comes along with that. So another way to set the example instead of being phenomenal executive. Sir, thank you. Thank for that. Look at my notes here. The one thing that I want to piggyback on the council Perkins, because it kind set this up on the tee for me here is, you know, you mention. This type of role that you have to staff and maybe there's others maybe shoot myself in the foot here. But
we'll find out there. I have introduced a proposal in our admin and finance committee that essentially. Removes residents requirements for folks in the county. And I'm curious of how that would impact your office if it would be in a positive a negative way. Who thank you for Yes, so it definitely will impact us positively. So currently we have I had to give like this memo. This is. Our deputy coroners are required to take a state certification. So what that means is if they are state certified, if they live in Hamilton County, why can't they work in Marion County? And so it gives us right now. You know, we have to submit the document that says, ok, they can live in this county because as the elected
official, I can say that with approval from, you know, a couple other people. So it would ease the burden of just simply hiring an experienced certified. Deputy coroner that can do the work. So right now we have to look at do they live in Marion County before we can hire them that their experience because they don't work in Hamilton County or Johnson County. So it definitely decreases the Barton in those that we can hire to perform U.S. Specialized work that we do. Okay. And then I guess went what I think about this. You know, I think about the job that you put online. Does it say requirement residency in Marion? Yes, okay. And you know, when I think about this, that if I'm one of the skills
rolled through there, I don't want to do that. I just breeze on by. Yes, you think this would help open up the candidate? Absolutely. Absolutely. Because oftentimes when people see that they're like, well, I don't really want to live Marion County or I have a house already in Hamilton County, but I'm certified as the deputy coroner and I like to work in Marion County. So it definitely opens doors and the opportunity for those that are experienced and certified to work for office. So it gives us a bigger pool of opportunity of people that can work for us and do good work that is expected to be done. Wonderful. Thank you. MR. Comments a comment. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, thank you. Corner, I have a question
about how came up. I think CHAIRMAN A test of for forensics pathologist. They come autopsy. And so that's a quick turnaround. So track that for the low comes the travel. It's expensive because it's last minute, right? So there's that. And then traveling back for the courts, is there a way or Where is the statute? Can they be attend? Virtually to present and is there what can we do to support that? Because that would obviously cut down a lot on travel expenses. I don't know that dollar impact would be to the budget. But we're looking for every penny right? So can you elaborate on so I try to work with the prosecutor's office that it would we hire logon to come in. We usually hide them to come in for a full week. So
they can offset some of the autopsies and support for our staff in house at that same time. Also share that schedule with the prosecutor's office that, hey, if you need this. But, Paula, just because it's usually the same pathologist that are doing work for us who have already, you know, done autopsy the homicide case. Can you use them and have your meetings this week in have your trial this week? And so they are often given. That's the schedule of when that forensic pathologist is going to be in the city so that they can take advantage of that opportunity to decrease the travel time. Now. I law and I'm not a lawyer and I don't play one on tv by law. There some limitation, 2. And when you
can do a virtual deposition and all parties have to agree to defense as well as the prosecutor's have to agree to a virtual deposition where they give the details of the case and take all of the information that is the end taken to court. So the parties have to agree a and b, it has to be mutually agreed upon that. That will be the method that will be presented to court. Get over my head a little bit. But I just simply tried to coordinate when those forensic pathologist are going to be here so that we can set of trials. The other thing that we've done is our home base, forensic pathologist. We try to have them also substitute and testify in
those cases when possible. At one point it was too overwhelming because when you have a forensic pathologist that has their own cases, plus they're substituting on a case it could be somewhat overwhelming to testify. 25 gunshot wound injury of someone else. And a 25 gunshot wound injury of your own case. So but we they are amenable to do that. And so when possible we do try to use the current home base for pathologist to substitute so we don't have to fly in those forensic pathologist who performed the autopsies on those other cases. So trying you know, you got to be creative in their work with the prosecutor's office to also help them understand we we want to make
sure that we are not utilizing too many dollars to prosecute these cases. But it's important to make sure that accurate information is presented in court so that those cases as they go to trial can successful. Thank I love the efficiency that you are working on an as an engineer. There's always room for better Continue that work. Thank you. Thank you. And council and only audience because be to the coroner's presentation. Nothing's going thank you your day. And the last temptation is the man. So most patients. MR. To all this is walls. That Marin County Prison Service agency. Thank you both for being patient. Good. Late evening, MR. CHAIRMAN, it's been a long evening. Can't councilmembers explosion coming for you
tonight. This is mindful worth time now doing this. Always been a pleasure interacting with you all. My name is Richard Amber and director of Forensic Services. And I have with the chief operating officer counts Walls also have my leadership team behind us here. So a quick overview of our agency. I'll just give quick summary what you see on the screen. We start come. You are providing services crime scene processing. Allergy analysis. Seized drug analysis. What I a concentration termination for arms and ammunition. Capone, a comparative analysis. Printed comparative analysis document for that document. Comparative analysis forensic evidence technician working legally is arms. Beijing contributes to
the code is not a fuss. Witcher 3 national databases for dna firms and Fay fingerprints. These fbi, atf databases, leak evidence to crime. See from crime scenes to firms in individuals. We're in other jurisdictions. The agency is accredited to international standards assessed Nancy National gradation border, a nap. As far your staff, your staffing model as of OCTOBER first, the agency is allocated. 75 positions. Which 71 are filled for vacancies. To the vacant will be filled by late AUGUST. And to buy year's end. As of AUGUST. 1st, agency demographics for the 71 employees. We're 72% female just like county. 28%. Now. We have 12 female employees that represent says it to Pfizer's
managers and above. 80% are white and 20% are by park with 3 bipoc employees representing supervisors, managers vote. I've talked about in the past and it's a common theme, even at the university said it. Getting a diverse candidate. Pool is very difficult. Because of the diverse candidates to not trend towards forensic science. No matter how much we have tried or they have tried. Leadership team encourages employee personal growth robust internal training programs as well as external training programs which employs its been well received by the employees. As far as successes. You're one the successes. We we put a lot in our budget in the budget book
that go through just a few last year, our laboratory employees completed nearly 12,000 requests. From there with analyzed over 62 1000 forensic pieces of evidence. That number's a little bit of a misnomer because one item in our report, actually 10. Encourage cases. So that number is probably much, much higher the agency completed flurry accreditation in 2025. Which I'm pleased to announce resulted 0 findings. The assistant involve the team of 10 forensics, technical sensors from all over the country. Which evaluated the agency it. Just under 200 international standards. Before arriving on site. They methodically evaluated or documentation laboratory procedures. While inside the team spent the entire week
evaluate our case announced documentation observe deploys physically doing their case work. And ask probing questions. Is a testament to the high quality work of our quality assurance unit and our staff for to achieve 0 findings. In APRIL of this year. The agency was recognized by the American Society. Crime Laboratory directors that they're now at their national says the That out of 220 forensic laboratories. We were one of 14 to receive the project foresight Max and support. This is an award recognizing Todd, the top performing forensic laboratories. 90% efficiency based on rigorous foresight. This is made metrics. The agencies are Sicily, transition operation from 3 different locations. To the new state-of-the-art facility. Thank you all for that. This will keep her. But this was a multipurpose phase
move. A plan to ensure is servants evidence were relocated and maintain the security of it. Well, not would not jeopardize the ongoing case work. Was a very large overtaking took about 2 months to that with that have 2 months to complete. Its first community days with an outreach. The agency actually engages with educational institutions to advise Friedrich knowledge by partnering with with their programming. We have staff that instructed program any lectures. We have staff that it's it on for boards. The leadership team participates on what they call the Board of Visitors. University that her Indiana University, Indianapolis. But, know, as I I where we sit in meetings, panel, discussions, audits and other programs. Crime scene unit participates with University. Annapolis. At the university's crime scene treating House. Which is used
to crime scenes for their students as well as our staff. The laboratory participates with impd community events to inform Citizens of laboratory operations. The crime scene unit community conversations. Where they need for community members of their role during the current federal investigation. What they're processing techniques look like and how their work at times can seem troubling to family members or bystanders that MAY be watching. This is also allow citizens the opportunity to post questions that are very important to them. The eighth-seeded agency offers internships jobs shows and tours to strengthen student education and awareness de la Torre
capabilities. What outcome that we struggle with the most? Is the outcome is with xp vendors. Much of our equipment and our supplies. Our single source. Lot of or is it going to shy? Getting kids and things like that. Controlled by the U.S. Or incompetent. However, I our financial team kiss up, aided in a the reverse trade show in the hopes of during information from them. What kind of things they can offer to us. As well are or a financial team monthly. Look at the xp, the end of for any potential offerings. Some of the goals that we hope to achieve in this coming year. The agency will continue, but ways to reduce the backlog. Increased availability of staff completion of training. We've had a lot of training over the last 2 years. We looked good since 2021. That's
when I became the director. We've had 44 vacancies since 2021. It a lot of training. If you have one you have one trainer, which means you're taking someone away from case. We're going with continues dna. We're going to continue community years of outsourcing initiative. We're going continue here. It's laboratory production matrix. Over. The chief deputy director, my movie Meet With h supervisor individually and we set a goal for to reduce or vac backlog by 20% by the end of the year. And then we take surgical approach to problem areas to hopefully rectify those issues. And they were so it and also focusing on casework that MAY be Senate Judicary ready. Do to isolate those cases and see their action
truly still needed or not? I mentioned a second ago about the vacancies. We have had the farm section in 2024. Was depleted. It went some major, major issues. We lost a lot of staff from the farm section. We're trying to rebound from even to this day. We have a lot of staff and I want to thank impd publicly that helped us with some funding sources to siege. It. For training. And we're going to have to people coming online soon. They also they ip auction actually helped us get one person into the atf farms training course. In the should be coming online by month. So I want to publicly thank for that. We want to have further progress in our blind proficiency testing. Our quality assurance unit as it is. You gauging with the Houston Forensic Science Center, the leader line for
fish's the testing. And they are victory. Our unit on their practices. They're offering their support, documentation, everything we need to further our program. We want to increase external training, the law enforcement community. We want to collaborate more with higher education to attract a diverse can double. We're constantly trying to find ways to to diversify or staff. If their continued efforts with educational institutions community engagement. Partners, increased awareness of forensic science as a career. We want to engage the next generation. This is a really great job and that this is something they can achieve. And with that, I want to turn over Chief Deputy chief operating officer cost was to present the front of the
budget proposed budget for your consideration. For the 2026 budget breakdown of the agency's budget of about 12.8 million dollars is a decrease of 12,519 when compared to the 2025 budget. We were asked to identify 4% to place in reserves at the outset of the 2026 budget. Those worst, those reserves were fully restored to our budget to help cover mission, critical costs that are agency. However, 20% of our agencies 2026 budget is from federal grants. There's less certainty about the arrival of those funds for 2026 than in the past. If we do not receive federal funding at levels similar to the past, we MAY be forced to eliminate federally funded staff positions that work on assault and firearm cases. We MAY have insufficient funding for critical supplies needed for 18 forensic and MAY have other operational functions.
Limited. I'm certainly hopeful here. Positive news. We've normally heard a lot more news by now than we or at this point in the year. But I want to be up front about the uncertainty faced with regard to our federal funding sources, even though these local funds were restored. To discuss revenue, our agency doesn't collect fees or anything like that. So our revenue really is from eligible reimbursements from federal grants. To discuss more on grants. As I said, the agency relies on federal grants to support critical crime lab operations. And that's been the case for some time. The grant funds we receive support all kinds of work with particular focus on assisting with managing backlogs to complete forensic dna testing and reduce violence. We're waiting to on a number of grand applications we have had pending for many
months at this point. It's an unusual situation for this time of year. But again, we're hopeful that things will change. For care to one breakdown. The county general fund decreased slightly because we anticipate our staff, our staff makes like the lower costs health insurance plans than in the past. For the federal grants funding character. One, the Federal Grants Fund increased in hopes that we might have an additional grant funded firearms technician join our agency, but that federal funding is not yet certain. For character, too, for the county general Fund. There was an increase in charge backs that increase there and those are used obviously for vehicle supplies and gasoline. And then for the federal grants
Fund within character, too. Those are crucial to purchase supplies we use routinely for dna testing. If grant awards are for less money or we don't hear back, we MAY not have sufficient funding for supplies for 2026. And care to 3 for county general. Their increases in our eyes and building authority charged back for 2026. Constitutes the increase there. And the federal Grants Fund for care to 3. We primarily use those funds for expert vendors to perform preventative maintenance on our scientific instrumentation. And we anticipated you're decreasing funds available for that purpose from federal grants next year. Character for in the county cumulative capital Improvement Fund. There is no change. Still 259,500 we use that to purchase the Survation I was talking about earlier.
And then for federal grants. We anticipate a reduction in available funds for purchases of new scientific instrumentation in 2026. We're grateful for the opportunity to speak with you this evening. We're honored to continue to serve the sins of Marion County at this time. I can happy to turn over things to CHAIRMAN Robinson for questions. Appreciate you. Thank you so much for your presentation. All of you for prison tonight. Final budget hearing for tonight. Comments, of course, with a for leader memory. Share comment believe you made about going back see if the case has been adjudicated. If you still need to work on the cases relied understand that yes, okay, is their tummies. But there should be some sort of way too alert you folks if that's been
adjudicated. So, you know, you're not just wasting your time working on a case already over. Is that not happening? Not. Who's that lie with that? There's someone talking you guys, you to all the hard work here, figure out, you know, all these things different. Forensic science side of it. With words, the ball or is that MISS Here that there's not indication? I think it's it's a multilayered problem. You know, I can point the finger most. I can say that the active I can say the prosecutor, you know, whoever. Think it's it's a multilayered problem. There is no line of communication like that. Sure why. But I certainly appreciate that. I think it would be certainly beneficial for you to know. So you waste your time and resources on something. He's already pleaded. So hopefully when the prosecutor comes maybe has a better idea as to why he's not in contact with you, folks to
make sure that your efforts are really driven the way they should be. Not just, you wasting time on things that are already over. So I appreciate that. Thank you. Appreciate that. And thank you. Council Thank you, MISTER CHAIRMAN. Thank you, sir, for your presentations evening. Just a quick question. Not that I've heard this is an issue, but I know it's commonly a question. Is there backlog rape kits? Is that bin addressed? Is it still a problem that been taking care of? No, as far as the backbone every law enforcement agency in Marion County has their own individual back. We only have the back on that base and that the U.S. And so I don't know what the number looks like. You know for obviously being army are biggest contributor. I don't know what their number is. But I can tell you that there definitely is a large number. Maybe is some background to give us a better
context. Explain what you mean by these different agencies will develop a rape kit. Wouldn't be. Does that rate could go to to determine? Yes, this was in the legal criminal rape were it was not or I'm just a little. I'm not clear what you just told us. So what happens is when the victim goes to the hospital and a rape kit is agreed to have it processed. In other say I want to be reporter. I want to report or I don't want to be reporter. And using whatever jurisdiction that was in at the time they were violated. Then that same called the saint or. So there's they will contact the law enforcement contact 8. Each agency has a contact person and they will contact that law enforcement agency contact and then if I think advice that really have like 48 hours ago, pick it up.
But does your office. Does the technical examination are in for the biological testing. Of a rape kit. That would be our dna unit. Ok? That is your office. Yes. All kits eventually come to your office Okay. Each agency that has similar dna testing capability, too. The test these rape kits know meant. A night where are they going? Impd has with a grant and their contract, believe with Bode which is a private dna laboratory. And they send some of their kits to this to bode. And then where the other kids they dislike the is the agency where they store. It's the final question would be does the passage of time
invalidate? The rape kit? Meaning it, you know, media tested after 10 years because whatever was in it is dissipated. No, I don't think that's the case. Okay. All right. Thank you, sir. Council, comments council heart. I think it was a chair and thank you for the presentation was very, very thorough and thoughtful ice. Just that. As a similar question of that is bottom corner. You mentioned struggles with hiring as well for Folsom. Diversity needs what the proposal have out there. Not tonight, but just in general, is that something you think would help your agency if there was no residency requirement for individuals reporting your organization that they did not have to live in Marion County. I appreciate your question. Became a director in 2021, I
have tried twice. To get forensic scientists class. Not as exempt class. Because we have such a difficulty. Specially in the dna. Environment, the firearms environment. Candidates that can do the job. I'll give you an example because started out my my early years and farms. Firearms examiners are extremely hard to get. And what you're trained. You go anywhere in the world. And they'll pay you crazy money to do it. It trying to get train. Farms examiner is extremely difficult. Like I said. So which means most times we have to hire somebody that's not train. It takes 2 years to
train. Like I said earlier, you train in your temperature. Long story short. Yes, it would be. Really great for our agency. Right for 2 years. I've had the same avenue that out. He spoke about where I could write the letter. It tried to get someone exempt. And they say it's on a case-by-case basis. I have no idea what the define case by case. Most church with yes. All right. Thank you, This MAY be really difficult to just because it's a numbers question. But you mentioned the time that's going to take to train somebody that some can cost. No, it's 2 years of. Don't even know what that number would be. But, you know, some of the concern I hear is that, you know, the folks wouldn't live in the our county. So there they're county income tax would go to
another county. Do you believe that or maybe the co against hard to answer the sunken cost of that employee in the training the 2 years that it takes to train them greater than the amount of county income tax last in the county. I feel it is. I feel like the what they're giving to the community, the character, the criminal justice system. Our ways. Want thank you, sir. We believe are just kids. Thank you, MR. CHAIRMAN, thank you for your presentation. A statement and a question. Statement Marion County's Open. We love to have new residents we would love to have folks to move into Marion County to help us with property tax and income tax. And so as we recruit just that, folks know we're open business and would love to have them to live here. My
question for you is I'm thinking about the advances that we've made in technology just in terms off, you know, vehicle identification, right? If something happens to my car right now would trigger something on my phone. I know exactly where it is and what's going on right? What are you seeing in terms off advances in technology in regards to firearms? Right? It's still pauses me that something can happen and somebody can use a gun. We cannot identify where when. What are you seeing from your perspective in terms off technology advancement in terms of identifying pounds. Yeah, there's there's a lot of novel things that they've been trying to do. You know, like? Ron, within the farm itself and someone has to have a bracelet on. They basically engages the farm. If you don't
have to that engagement, then the firm basically locks There's even to the point of like putting the serial number of the gun on the tip of the firing pin. So that wouldn't want to cartridges fired. The theory is that the serial number will be on the cartridge case. Doesn't really work. There? Things where so that it eventually wears off where they take it or something like that. But really, honestly, there's. There's not really a lot of acknowledge it like you're thinking of far as it year high. I know that there is there. Just not. It's a tool. No different in a screwdriver. It's just a tool. Well, thank you for that. I use the example of my car, but also his example, my phone. I leave it somewhere can track it exactly where it is. Right. So
as we think about, I know, you know, just seeing the coroner's office before looking at the number of individuals that died from gunshot wounds. That is something that as a state, I think that we struggle with and I just was wondering around the technology that's available when we know the technology is available is whether or not the manufacturers want to really utilize to thank you right. Thank you all. So council moves. Thank you, MR. Emergent just a quick comment. I understand tried to get exempt. You are. Have you try to when you mention case-by-case basis? I know the procedure, at least in the legal field is. The person skill, a skill set. That's kind of the general category.
A special skill set that it. You try to do it that way. Like you have a person that candidate. Apply to the mayor's office. I know there's one particular person who reviews those applications. Ben says, yes, this person qualifies. They can live outside. We're in Collier. No, they cannot. Have you done that or just general letter trying to get a broader exemption? Well, I can use myself as an example. I came here 2007. Work for the Illinois State Police. And and farms examine if anybody remembers around 2006, there was the court ruling that said I don't care what you to pay, get them because they wouldn't like to examiners or something like that. And 3, Illinois James came here. I was want
to. I have tried. Been successful for a couple 2 or 3 people, mostly they're all farms. Examiners. Because the budget, but does say in specialized skill set. And but routinely have people even outside of that and other disciplines. Hey, I really want to live outside. I want land one. Further official reasons or I give you another example of year to 3 years ago we were trying to hire dna technical leader. Is extremely important position because the fbi? We have own accreditation. But then yesterday I little layer of the cake of accreditation. The dna technical leader in literally shut down the dna. You. An rta leave the time because again, go anywhere.
She left Florida's on a beach. And works for sheriff's department. Do exactly that. Tried then. And I asked him to put something in there because there are some people that thought they were wavering one way or another. But when they knew they had be higher first. For me to submit a letter, they said no. Thank you, In council district comes to questions. Anyone wants speak to this presentation. Seeing. No. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Appreciate Thank you. So that I would argue that We are