Agency: Courts

Line Item: Contracts and Leases

Function

The Contracts and Leases line item provides courthouses and office space in which the judiciary adjudicates cases. There are 40 facilities that the Courts operate. The Utah Constitution requires a courthouse in each county seat. The Contracts and Leases Program also provides offices in the community where juvenile probation officers can meet with the family and youth under their supervision. Expenses under Contracts and Leases include items such as:

• rent/lease payments for facilities,
• janitorial services,
• utility costs,
• perimeter/building security, and
• county contract sites.

The Courts assure that facilities comply with courthouse security requirements which allows for appropriate separation and safety of the public, judges, staff, and prisoners while avoiding possible mistrial situations occasioned by inappropriate contact with judges during case deliberations.

Under recent Legislative policy, the Legislature appropriates ongoing funds for operations and maintenance (O&M) at the same time as it authorizes new state-funded buildings. Funding for programs in the new buildings is the responsibility of the Subcommittee.

Intent Language

Under Section 63-J-1-603 of the Utah Code, the Legislature intends that appropriations of up to $250,000 provided for Contracts and Leases in Item 24 of Chapter 11 Laws of Utah 2012 not lapse at the close of Fiscal Year 2013. The use of any unused funds is limited to capital equipment and improvements.

Issues/Analysis

Much of what funds the costs in this line item are funds from the General Fund Restricted - State Court Complex Account. While the balance in this account may be used for certain expenses they may not be used for expenses that the General Fund currently covers unless the statute changed. However the Legislature may consider qualifying expenses to cover costs currently funded with the Generl Fund.

Much of the recent decrease in costs are due to expiring leases that were not renewed, or were renegotiated.

Funding Detail

The two major sources of funding are from the State General Fund and the General Fund Restricted -- State Court Complex Account.