Call to Order and Roll Call
The 2nd meeting of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary of the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue was held on<Day> Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 10:00 AM, in Room 129 of the Capitol Annex. Representative Jason Nemes, Chair, called the meeting to order, and the secretary called the roll.
Present were:
Members: Senator Wil Schroder, Co-Chair; Representative Jason Nemes, Co-Chair; Senators Ray S. Jones II, John Schickel, and Robin L. Webb; Representatives John Blanton, Joseph M. Fischer, Stan Lee, Jason Petrie, Phillip Pratt, Brandon Reed, and Kevin Sinnette.
Guests: Rick Sanders, Commissioner, Kentucky State Police; Chad White, Lieutenant Colonel, Administrative Division, Kentucky State Police; Carole Henderson, Budget Director, Administration Office of the Courts (AOC); and Paul Harnice, Attorney, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC.
LRC Staff: Zachary Ireland, Savannah Wiley, and Jennifer Beeler.
Kentucky State Police Budget Update
Commissioner Sanders provided a brief update on the budget of the Kentucky State Police (KSP).
In response to questions from Rep. Blanton, Commissioner Sanders stated that there are between 35 and 40 Trooper Rs, who are retired troopers that have come back to work. Commissioner Sanders noted that at one point KSP was authorized 1,070 Troopers, but there are currently 848 troopers. Lt. Col. White stated that KSP is required to contribute $.91 to the state police retirement system for every $1 paid in salary.
In response to questions from Sen. Schickel, Commissioner Sanders noted that the Angel Initiative had not yet been implemented. Lt. Col. White noted that KSP does full 911 dispatching for 13 counties. Lt. Col. White noted that those counties pay a set annual amount to utilize KSP dispatch services. Commissioner Sanders confirmed that KSP's long-term plan is to integrate Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) officers into the Trooper ranks. Commissioner Sanders stated that KSP trains all cadets as Troopers, noting that eventually there won't be any more tan uniformed CVE officers.
In response to a question from Sen. Schroder, Commissioner Sanders noted that while there are different radio systems through the commonwealth, KSP is able to set them to the same frequency in order to communicate with other counties and departments.
In response to questions from Sen. Jones, Lt. Col. White stated that KSP has the budget to afford 890 to 900 Troopers. Commissioner Sanders stated that there were 200 to 300 applicants to the most recent KSP cadet class.
In response to a question from Rep. Reed, Lt. Col. White stated that KSP's budget for FY 2018 is $228 million. Commissioner Sanders stated that KSP's ideal budget would be $245 million per year.
In response to a question from Rep. Lee, Commissioner Sanders noted that cadet applicants go through a criminal background check. Commissioner Sanders stated that an applicant with a criminal history of marijuana possession would not be automatically disqualified. Commissioner Sanders stated that he believes KSP should have access to criminal records that have been expunged.
In response to a question from Rep. Blanton, Commissioner Sanders confirmed that many KSP posts around the state are in disrepair.
Kentucky Court of Justice
Ms. Henderson provided an overview of the Judicial Branch's internal funds transfers.
In response to a question from Chair Nemes, Ms. Henderson stated that the court facilities budget is roughly $108 million in Fiscal Year 2018. Ms. Henderson stated that the judicial branch is required by statute to continue paying four percent of original court house capital construction costs to the county after the debt is paid off. Ms. Henderson confirmed that the court facilities budget contains funds to pay for facility maintenance issues such as roof repairs or carpet replacements. Ms. Henderson stated that the judicial branch does not pay bailiffs, those salaries come directly from the finance cabinet. Ms. Henderson stated that $74 million of the $108 million facilities budget goes to bond payments for courthouse construction. Ms. Henderson stated that $30 million of that budget goes to counties. Ms. Henderson stated that the remaining $4 million goes toward emergency repairs, utility bills, and private sector leases.
In response to questions from Rep. Blanton, Ms. Henderson stated that the facility budget is appropriated by the general assembly. Ms. Henderson stated that the judicial branch leased to purchase AOC's office building and was able to pay off the building early with carryforward funds in fiscal year 2014, saving $750 thousand. Ms. Henderson stated that the total cost of the building was roughly $12.5 million. Ms. Henderson stated that in 2008 the court operations budget was in a $30 million deficit.
In response to a question from Sen Schroder, Ms. Henderson stated that the lease on the court of appeals building is $212,500 per year. Ms. Henderson stated that the AOC has used that building since 1990 or 1991.
In response to questions from Chair Nemes, Ms. Henderson stated that in fiscal year 2024 the bond payments will reduce from $74 million to about $65 million due to debt being paid off. Mr. Harnice stated that it would be inappropriate for AOC to make public comments on pending litigation. Mr. Harnice stated that AOC vehemently disputes all of Scott Brown's claims, including that he is a whistle blower.
There being no further business before the subcommittee, the meeting was adjourned at 11:34 AM.