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1, BOOK 108 PAGE 468 ON MOTION by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED by Commissioner Ginn, the Board unanimously accepted the COPS MORE 98 Award from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and authorized the Chairman to execute same, as recommended by staff. COPIES OF DOCUMENTS ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO TBE BOARD 8. PAYMENTS TO VENDORS FOR COURT -RELATED CASES - JUDGE PAUL B. KANAREK The Board reviewed backup provided by Judge Kanarek. (CLERK'S NOTE: COPY OF BACKUP IS INCLUDED WITH THE BACKUP FOR THIS MEETING.) Judge Kanarek had watched the Commission meeting on television on January 5' with reference to the payments to vendors of court -related costs and wanted the Board to know that the judges are concerned about the costs. He itemized the costs involved in several different types of cases and noted that many of these items involving costs are required by Florida law for examination of competency where the guardianship of a person or a defendant in a criminal matter might be in question. Professionals are required for these examinations and their charges are generally the same from case to case. Where funds are available, these professionals are paid but when the examinee is indigent, the County must pay the fees. The County could enter into flat -fee arrangements with some of these professionals and the judges would certainly be willing to work with the Board in an effort to control some of these costs. The County does receive some funds from the State to help pay these costs and the new Article V to the Constitution will move more of these expenses from the County back to the State. Chairman Macht thanked Judge Kanarek for his presentation and concern. County Attorney Vitunac noted that the County Attorneys' _-Office, through Mr. O'Brien, vigorously defends these court costs and the costs have come -down. Mr. O'Brien is doing a good job. MARCH 2, 1999 -14- • 0