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ND court system feeling the budget pinch

The judiciary has not been immune to budget cuts.

So far, it has been asked to take a $10.9 million cut from its 2015-2017 biennium budget.

"That's a huge amount of money for us," said state court administrator Sally Holewa. In an interview, she said there was an effort of the last few years to increase staffing – and that means peripherals were cut. Hoelwa said the only place to cut now is staff.

"In our budget, it's 35 1/2 regular FTEs," Holewa said. "Also, 7 temporary employees were cut, 3 interns and 7 contract positions. We've also identified 6 positions in the eastern part of the state that will have to be moved to the western part."

Holewa said those six are being moved because of caseloads.

She said one area hit hard by the cuts is in juvenile services.

"We closed our Bottineau office," Holewa said. "We have reduced our staffing in Grafton, Jamestown, Wahpeton and Williston to just one."

Holewa said three referees have also been laid off -- which could become an issue when it comes to “speedy trials.”

"Typically, when we have a shortage, we move people around," Holewa said. "We don't have that luxury any more."

Holewa said based on case load, the system came into the session 10 judges short.

"We laid off three referees who can do about 70 percent of what a judge can do," Holewa said. "It's a dangerous situation to be in."

Holewa said the Court system understands times are tight – and it is prepared to do its part.

"Obviously we're concerned about how we're going to go forward," Holewa said. "We know there are going to be disruptions and delays,. But we're committed to doing what we have to do to make it through this tough time."

Two items that weren't cut -- drug court and mediation. Holewa said those programs are working very well.

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