Lakewood Municipal Court Hands Over $100,000 to the City

With a surplus in the ’s special projects fund, the court handed over $100,000 to the city this week.

No strings attached.

The court, which brings in money through its court costs, typically uses the fund for improvements. 

For example, in the past, the court has installed computer software, bought new chairs for the jury room, and fixed the roof.

But this year, the court — headed by Judge Patrick Carroll — shared a third of the court’s fund with .

The court had $300,000 in its special projects funds before it shared a third of it with the city. 

“We’ve never done anything like this before,” said clerk of court Terri O’Neill, adding that the court can declare a surplus.

“Some courts out there have millions. We’re not like that. We’re not hoarders.”

Out of the $90 court costs that court assesses, $18 goes into the fund for criminal cases and $13 for traffic cases. The rest of the money is divvied between the state, county, city and crime stoppers.

Mayor Michael Summers said the money will go into the general fund.

For now. 

“We’re very, very appreciative of it,” he said. “We’re looking at some strong headwinds in the near future.”

Summers said one option is to bank the money.

Another option, he said, is to invest the money immediately in the city’s housing strategy.

“Everything we do there strengthens our neighborhoods,” he said.

The decision, he added, ultimately rests with city council.