Barbour County, new court costs and disbursement of fees provided for following referendum
The passage of SB319 is conditioned upon voter approval in a referendum held during a regular election. If approved, the bill will establish a sustainable financial mechanism to support hazardous duty payments within the Barbour County Sheriff's Office. This will likely improve the morale of the nonclerical staff who take on dangerous responsibilities and may enhance recruitment and retention of personnel in those roles, thereby potentially improving public safety in the county.
SB319 is a bill introduced to implement new court costs in Barbour County to fund a Hazardous Duty Fund for nonclerical employees of the sheriff's office who perform hazardous duties. The bill stipulates that a fee of $25 will be added to each civil and criminal case filed (excluding small claims), with an additional $10 charge for small claims cases. The funds collected will be directed to the sheriff's office, specifically aimed at providing hazardous duty payments to eligible employees, ensuring that they are compensated for their contributions and risks associated with their duties.
A significant point of contention surrounding SB319 lies in the voter approval process. Opponents may argue that increasing court costs could disproportionately affect low-income individuals seeking legal recourse. Furthermore, there could be skepticism regarding the management and allocation of the generated funds by the sheriff's office and whether they will be used effectively to support hazardous duty pay. Proponents, however, may counter that this initiative is a necessary investment in the safety and well-being of deputies who face risks on behalf of the community.