If you have been inside the Logan County Courthouse often times you find people over filling the courtrooms and hallways. Officials say this has heighten security issues and are now wanting to apply a $10 fee to each civil case filed to help with security.
Gov. Mary Fallin signed into law House Bill 456 that allows counties to improve their courthouse security by charging a fee when civil cases, like divorces or child custody, are filed.
The fees can range from $1 to $10, but Logan County officials wantng the full $10.
“The need for more security is definitely there,” Court Clerk Rejenia Zmek said in a recent county commissioners meeting.
The new law goes into effect on Nov. 1 and county commissioners are expected to agree on adding $10 to each civil case.
A fee is not in place for civil cases, but a $10 fee is in place for criminal filings. Currently, the criminal fee and the sheriff’s office budget pays for the security in the courthouse and will remain the case.
County Clerk Troy Cole says the criminal fees does not generate enough income to pay for one deputy’s monthly salary.
Undersheriff Craig McCleary says, with the commissioner’s approval of the added fee, the Sheriff’ Office would be able to hire a part-time position for the courthouse when a high occupancy is expected – especially for dockets which is nearly every day of the week.
Sounds like a shakedown for more money instead of improved security. I find it amazing that the county can find ways to shake us down for whatever the county wants, but can’t put gravel on the roads and fill the potholes with anything other than dirt.