Taraesa L. Wheary
 

OPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE

The Clerk of Circuit Court office is governed by Section 59.40 of the Wisconsin Statutes and County ordinances. The office is responsible for all costs associated with the operation of the state court system in Racine County except for the salaries of the circuit court judges and their respective court reporters. The State has authorized ten branches of the Circuit Courts for Racine County, including the following divisions: probate, civil, small claims, juvenile, criminal, traffic, family and felony courts. The Clerk of Circuit Court office generates revenue for the County and State through the collection and recording of fees, fines, criminal forfeitures and guardian ad litem reimbursements. In addition, the office serves the public and the legal community by maintaining the Racine County Law Library.

 EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The office continues to meet its goal of increasing recovery of delinquent fines, fees, costs, guardian ad litem fees, court appointed attorney fees, juvenile legal fees and psychological assessment reimbursements through various collection efforts. The result has been an increase of approximately 18% compared to 16% last year and 7% in previous years.

The office has arranged free meter parking for Racine County residents serving jury duty.
 

2003 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIES

•    Expansion and remodeling of central filing, originally scheduled for 2002, is scheduled to occur this year, instead.
   
•    A small percentage of delinquent fines, fees and costs have been referred to a tax intercept program in 2002. All fines, fees, costs should be referred to tax intercept by mid-2003 through the circuit court automation program.
   
•    Continue to provide free meter parking for jurors.