To: Harris County Commissioners Court
Through: Marilyn Burgess, Harris County District Clerk
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Prepared By: Araceli Carrizales, Financial Services Administrator, Harris County District Clerk
Subject: Requesting approval for Juror Pay Increase for the duration of the pandemic to $50.00 for the first day and $80.00 for subsequent days, funding for juror pay increase awareness campaign and provide free parking at 1401 Congress Parking Garage for jurors selected to serve. The recommendations are in an effort to increase and diversify citizen participation in jury service. (Budget Form 3. Goals and Objectives, Goal #G2)
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Project ID (If applicable]:
Purpose and Request:
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Request by the District Clerk for approval to increase Juror Pay for the duration of the pandemic to $50 for the first day and $80 for subsequent days. This would require an additional budget appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021-22 of $1,819,946 to be effective May 3, 2021, to coincide with the beginning of Jury Appreciation Week. Secondly, it is being requested to fund and allocate a budget of $200,000 to publicize the juror pay increase to the citizens of Harris County. In addition, the District Clerk is also asking that Harris County provide free parking at 1401 Congress Parking Garage to individuals who are selected to serve on a jury.
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Background and Discussion:
Please find attached a COVID-19 Agenda Item for Commissioners Court Meeting 03/30/2021 requesting
approval to implement in FY 21-22 a juror pay increase to $50.00 for the first day and $80.00 for subsequent days in an effort to increase and diversify citizen participation in jury service during the pandemic. We also request providing free parking for jurors selected to serve at 1401 Congress Parking Garage. If approved the District Clerk’s Office will engage in an extensive awareness campaign to make sure Harris County residents are made aware of the changes. The District Clerk’s Office will monitor the impact the changes have on appearance and diversity, and present a report to the Court in January 2022 with a recommendation as to whether the changes should be adopted on a permanent basis.
(Budget Form 3. Goals and Objectives, Goal #G2)
Fiscal Impact:
We propose implementation for FY 21-22 and the fiscal impact will be directly to the Harris County District Clerk’s Juror Payments for Fiscal Year March 1, 2021 - February 28, 2022.