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BOOK 96 F.�.Jc 398 These particular line items were removed from the budget keeping with the County's policy statement. That is, the County was not going to pay for state expenses which were being passed on the County due to the state not funding their own departments. For the past several years, the County has been reducing its own travel, registration and membership/dues budgets, while leaving the same items generally the same level for state employees. The Judges have explained that the State of Florida pays only travel expenses incurred by Judges and Judicial Assistants for traveling within the circuit and only a few approved judges conferences. They are correct that Florida Statute 34.171 does state "unless the State shall pay such expense, the County shall pay all reasonable salaries of bai"hffs, secretaries and assistants of the Circuit and County Courts and all reasonable expenses of the Office of Circuit and County Court Judges." This catch all law is costing counties tremendous dollars and is the reason the Florida Association of Counties has an Article V task force that is looking at the impact of the cost of state court systems on counties and how they could reduce the growing expense. RECOMMENDATION Staff is requesting direction from the Board of County Commissioners on this matter and will implement the Board's decision. TO: Members of the Board of County Commissioners DATE: October 20, 1995 SUBJECT: CIRCUIT AND COUNTY JUDGE'S TRAVEL, ON, MEMBERS /DUES FROM: ;7es E. Chand er County Administrator Today, I met with Judges Vocelle and Smith regarding the travel, tuition and membership/dues funding that was cut from the budget. I related to them that staff recommended the cuts based on our belief that funding for those types of expenses for State employees should be a State responsibility and not the County's. The Judges indicated not funding those expenses could be a violation of Florida Statute 34.171 and, also, that an Attorney General opinion had addressed a similar issue relating to a County Court (attached). Both Judges suggested I seek an opinion from the County Attorney. County Attorney Vitunac advised me that the County could be in violation in that the expenses in his opinion would be considered reasonable. In view of the preceding, it is my recommendation the funding be provided. Budget Director, Joe Baird, concurs. Judge Smith asked that I provide the Board with the attached article from the Florida Bar News regarding Article V. 14 October 24, 1995