To: Dale K. Weighill, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Barbara A. Menear, Circuit Court Administrator
title
RE: Approval of a grant award from the Michigan Supreme Court, in the amount of $75,000.00, to provide for continued conversion of the Courthouse Law Library to the Genesee County Legal Resource Center; the budget for this grant is attached
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Acknowledge and accept a grant award from the Michigan Supreme Court, in the amount of $75,000.00 to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court, to be used to continue the process of converting the courthouse Law Library to the Genesee County Legal Resource Center. A copy of the award notification dated October 25, 2024, accompanies this submission.
BACKGROUND:
The Circuit Court Law Library has begun the transition to the Genesee County Legal Resource Center. The first grant was received from the Michigan Supreme Court and the transition to the Genesee County Legal Resource Center began. This additional grant will assist in continuing the project.
DISCUSSION:
A grant from the Michigan Supreme Court will allow the court to continue the process of converting the Law Library into a self-help center (Legal Resource Center). Many people visit the courts in person for the purpose of obtaining the forms necessary for pursuing and defending legal actions. A Legal Resource Center situated within the court not only permits said individuals to obtain the forms that they are seeking but allows them an opportunity to complete these forms while present at the court.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
A budget amendment is attached. There is not a grant match required.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
By communicating the available resources and services to the residents of Genesee County, we contribute to Healthy, Livable & Safe Communities. The process of utilizing the grant and transitioning to the Genesee County Legal Resource Center will provide
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Circuit Court Administrator to authorize accepting a grant award from the Michigan Supreme Court, in the amount of $75,000.00, for the purpose of converting the courthouse Law Library into a self-help center (Genesee County Legal Resource Center), with no match requirement, for the period commencing October 25, 2024, through September 30, 2025, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the November 13, 2024 meeting of the Governmental Operations Committee of this Board), the Circuit Court Administrator is authorized to execute the grant agreement, and the Chief Financial Officer is directed to record the attached budget.