Under a new state law, the Ohio Supreme Court can now reimburse counties for a portion of the compensation paid to acting judges appointed to serve on municipal and county courts. The Supreme Court this week provided forms and guidelines to the counties to assist them in properly requesting reimbursement.

The change stems from the passage of House Bill 261 of the 130th General Assembly, which took effect on July 10. The legislation reinstated laws permitting county treasurers to seek reimbursement from the Supreme Court for the state share of compensation paid to an acting judge. The legislation also clarified the formula for calculating the compensation payable to judges assigned by the Chief Justice.

County treasurers were informed this week of the procedures the Supreme Court will use to pay the reimbursement requests, and noted the counties could receive reimbursements for the time acting judges served since July 10.

Treasurers seeking reimbursement must submit quarterly requests, that include verifications by the county of the amounts paid and affidavits from the acting judges and assigned judges documenting the dates and hours they worked.  To assist with compliance of the new law, the Supreme Court created standardized forms for the local officials to use. Copies of these materials can also found online at www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/JCS/judicialSvcs.

Any questions regarding the new process can be directed to reimbursements@sc.ohio.gov.