FY09 Budget Update   Since the end of the third quarter, the Trial Court has identified reductions to its FY09 spending plan in response to a request from Governor Patrick for voluntary action addressing the state’s fiscal crisis. The court has implemented a hiring freeze, eliminated costs for fall and spring departmental conferences, restricted travel, and identified additional operational reductions. The Trial Court has formed an interdepartmental Fiscal Task Force chaired by Chief Justices Lynda M. Connolly and Steven D. Pierce to develop additional recommendations for cost saving measures for the remainder of FY09 and FY10. Court employees are encouraged to forward ideas and suggestions to fiscaltaskforce@jud.state.ma.us. MassCourts Progresses in Probate and Family Court; RMV Project Continues   > MassCourts implementation in the Probate and Family Court now has occurred successfully in the Plymouth, Essex, and Bristol County divisions. The Hampden County division will ‘go live’ on October 27th and another division will be added every three weeks, with completion targeted for March. A tremendous effort by the Registers offices and court staff with TCIS support has ensured this positive rollout.   > By the end of the third quarter more than 100,000 cases in MassCourts included biometric identification data, as a result of cooperation from Probation, State Police and local police departments across the state. In addition, more than 1,100 Trial Court employees now sign on to MassCourts each business day.   > TCIS, the District Court and the Boston Municipal Court continue to partner with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Merit Rating Board to facilitate the exchange of electronic disposition data for cases requiring an abstract submission. Successful pilot efforts in two courts early this year have resulted in the introduction of some electronic capability to additional courts. Planning and coordination to allow a fully-automated abstract process continues with an implementation target of December 2008.   Green Team Launches Paper Recycling and Advocates Other Conservation Measures   The Trial Court Green Team launched its statewide effort to introduce paper recycling at the Brooke Courthouse in September. Employees there have responded very positively to the recycling initiative, which has since been implemented throughout Suffolk County. Recycling now is being introduced in Middlesex County where all courthouses will join those in Newton, Concord and Lowell, which had implemented local recycling efforts. The paper recycling effort benefits the environment and also reduces waste removal costs. The Green Team also is seeking the support of court employees to conserve energy and budget resources by turning off lights and office equipment, whenever possible.   Access and Fairness Survey Update   Currently, court users at 93 courthouses have had the opportunity to complete an Access and Fairness Survey developed by the National Center for State Courts and modified for the Massachusetts Trial Court. More than 8,000 surveys have been received, including the 1,500 surveys completed by Boston Municipal Court users in 2007. All court locations will participate in the survey effort by early December. Survey responses are compiled and provided to each courthouse shortly after they are completed. Each court department is developing an action plan to utilize the data received. Revised Sexual and Gender Harassment Policy Training   Manager training sessions to review the revised Policy for Sexual and Gender Harassment will continue through the fall and winter. Positive feedback has been received on the half-day program, which reviews the policy, provides guidelines on managing complaints and utilizes case studies to promote discussion and understanding. The training is attended by court staff in leadership and management roles to familiarize them with the responsibilities and procedures outlined in the policy.   Return to Intranet Home Page