Yellowstone Levy Discussed

Voters may be called upon to decide if they will contribute to help ease the overwhelmed court system in Yellowstone County.  County commissioners on Monday heard a pitch for public safety funding to support a system that is adding judges, but having a hard time hiring lawyers.  Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito said attorneys in his office are carrying excessive caseloads, they can’t get phone calls returned quickly enough, and the trial calendar [quote] it’s kinda scary.” [end quote]

The jail population is driven by how quickly county attorneys can get them through the system and exercise their rights to due process according to a report by KTVQ.com.  Since 2010, officials have seen filings almost triple in some departments.  A levy would provide funding to help the bogged down system. Twito said staff has pushed efficiency about as far as it can.