Title
Approval of 2012 Mediation Center agreement.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the contract and authorize the Chairman to sign.
The Mediation Center provides services to district courts in Sedgwick County as an alternative to litigation. This program is staffed primarily by volunteers and finds the majority of its workload in the small claims court. The goal of the Mediation Center is to remove 30% of the caseload from the docket. The majority of the cases handled through the program are landlord/tenant or consumer/merchant. The program has been funded by Sedgwick County for several years and received $8,000 in funding in 2011.
Analysis: This program is successful and cost effective in helping the people, courts, and businesses of Sedgwick County; approximately 300 cases are estimated to receive service in 2012. Cases are referred by the Court, so an exact number is difficult to forecast.
Alternatives: The County Commission could decide not to approve this contract and pursue other options.
Financial Considerations: $8,000 to be paid from Fund Center 48001-110
Legal Considerations: Authority to enter into the contract is provided for by K.S.A. 19-101. Approval is by majority vote.
Policy Considerations: None