Page 203 - City of Bedford FY20 Approved Budget

City of Bedford
Program Summary
FY 2019-2020

Fund: General
Department: Administrative Services Division: Municipal Court

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Municipal Court is a court of record that has jurisdiction within the City of Bedford's territorial limits over all Class C misdemeanor
cases brought under City ordinances and the Texas State Statutes. The mission of the Bedford Municipal Court is to provide the City of
Bedford with adjudication of Class C misdemeanor criminal laws within the City limits and warrant issuance/collection services. The
Municipal Court has the responsibility to remain educated and informed on all laws that pertain to the Municipal Courts of Texas and the
impact that those laws will have on the City of Bedford and Court functions. This Division processes all documentation in accordance
with State law and judicial procedures. This includes: payment of fines, distribution of court costs into mandated State accounts and City
of Bedford accounts, daily cash reconciliation, defendant correspondence, citation entry/import, preparation and issuance of all Class C
misdemeanor alias and capias warrants, filing of citizen complaints, scheduling of trial/court/attorney dockets, processing of cash and
surety bonds, forfeiting of cash bonds, time pay and show cause hearings, expunction hearings, and filing of attorney motions. The
Municipal Court is also responsible for all open records requests, discovery requests, and judicial open record requests.

FY 2018-2019 HIGHLIGHTS

∗ Participated in the 2019 State of Texas "Great Texas Warrant Round Up" clearing 606 warrants, while generating $77,202.10 in
revenue.
∗ Collaborated with Linebarger, Goggan, Blair, & Sampson LLP for area specific increased collection efforts regarding defendants with
outstanding warrants.
∗ Implemented a new standing orders directive from Judge Murphy concerning various Municipal Court policies and procedures.
∗ Initiated the use of scanners to stay compliant with State of Texas retention mandates regarding case documents and images from
within the Municipal Court software management system.

FY 2019-2020 DIVISIONAL GOALS
(AS RELATED TO COUNCIL STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS)

Organizational Excellence
∗ Provide a fair and impartial process to defendants and complainants.
∗ Keep all procedures and policies effective and up to date with legislative changes.
∗ Focus on employee development by continuing to provide training to personnel through the Texas Court Clerk Association,
Texas Municipal Court Education Center, and Texas Municipal Court Association.
∗ Conduct an internal audit on all closed cases.

Communicate & Engage with Citizens
∗ Maximize Municipal Court efficiency and enhance the customer experience through the use of technology.

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