Title
Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Thurston County Superior Court for Jury Trial Services
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Interlocal Agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign it.
Report
Issue:
Consider entering into an agreement with Thurston County Superior Court to conduct jury trials for the City.
Staff Contact:
Maryam Olson, Court Administrator, 360.709.2783
Presenter(s):
None. Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Individuals charged with any criminal offense have a constitutional right to a jury trial. Historically, the City of Olympia Municipal Court contracted with Thurston County District Court to provide these jury trial services for our City. After the County terminated that agreement, the City entered into a different agreement with the County (Superior Court) to provide court space and jurors for our jury trials. Our Municipal Judge presides over these trials.
Olympia Municipal Court receives approximately 2,500 criminal filings and approximately 2,500 infraction filings per year. This caseload requires full-time use of our courtroom for all preliminary and post-sentencing hearings and does not allow us the flexibility to schedule jury trials here. Approximately 100 jury trials are requested per year in Olympia Municipal Court, but only about 10 jury trials are actually held. Because it is necessary to find alternative space to hear our trials, we have traditionally contracted jury services from Thurston County.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
1. Enter into an agreement with Thurston County Superior Court for jury trial services. Thurston County Superior Court has accommodated our need for jury trial services since January 2000 by providing a courtroom, jurors, jury deliberation room and a bailiff. This agreement provides the level of services requested, allows our judge to preside over Olympia Municipal matters, has worked well since its inception and has been mutually beneficial to both parties. The court must adhere to the provisions of the interlocal agreement, however, the County cannot guarantee the availability of jury services when the City’s trial conflicts with a County trial.
2. Do not enter into an agreement with Thurston County Superior Court for jury trial services. The court would have to search for alternative facilities to hold our trials. There are no alternative sites identified at this time.
Financial Impact:
Funding for this agreement is included in the 2014 court budget.