On August 1, 1997, former Supreme Court Justice Frank J. Montemuro, Jr., issued an interim report which outlined a four-phase transition from county to state funding of the Courts. The plan, which was described in our September 1997 issue, has been embraced by many Pennsylvania county commissioners and Mayor Rendell, who hope to shed local financial obligations for court funding.

To prompt state legislative action, Mayor Edward G. Rendell submitted a budget to City Council without a line item for funding of the First Judicial District for fiscal year 1999. Despite the mayor's actions, the FJD on March 3, 1998, submitted its budget directly to City Council, who ultimately has the power under the City Charter to approve a budget for the Court.

President Judge Alex Bonavitacola, as Chairman of the FJD's Administrative Governing Board, has publicly stated that if City Council approves a budget without Court funding for FY'99, the FJD will take legal action necessary to secure appropriate funding for our Courts.

Presently, Court officials, lawmakers and the Ridge Administration are negotiating to find a way to effectively and fairly enact the state funding plan.

It is anticipated that Phase I of Justice Montemuro's plan, which will cost the state 15 million dollars, will be implemented by July 1, 1998. Only 12 FJD administrative positions will be affected by Phase I funding transfers.