funding the dispute resolution center

HOW I WOULD PAY FOR THE DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER

Clark County should not have to rely entirely on its general fund to expand access to mediation. My goal would be to build a sustainable funding structure using Washington's existing dispute-resolution laws, state funding, grants, partnerships, and appropriate user fees.

USING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY MODEL

Los Angeles County provides a useful model for reducing mediation costs through trained volunteers. Los Angeles County offers free mediation training to qualifying volunteers who agree to provide substantial volunteer service after completing the program. Those volunteers help provide mediation services for community and court connected disputes.

I would use the Los Angeles approach as a model. This would not mean applying California law. I would work within Washington law to identify dedicated funding that does not unnecessarily increase the burden on Clark County taxpayers.

WASHINGTON ALREADY PROVIDES A FUNDING FRAMEWORK

Washington has its own Dispute Resolution Center law under Chapter 7.75 RCW. Importantly, Washington law specifically anticipates that these programs will have multiple sources of funding.

Under RCW 7.75.035, the County Council may impose a surcharge of up to $10 on District Court civil filing fees and $15 on small-claims filing fees to fund a qualified dispute resolution center. The money must be placed into a separate account and used solely for dispute resolution centers.

Washington law therefore already provides Clark County with a dedicated funding mechanism that can be used to support a qualified dispute resolution center.

STATE FUNDING AND GRANTS

I would pursue available state and federal grants, so Clark County taxpayers are not expected to bear the entire cost. I would also pursue partnerships and grant opportunities that expand access to mediation for Clark County residents across a wide range of civil and family-law matters, including divorce, child custody, housing, small claims, and other disputes.

The Washington State Department of Commerce Dispute Resolution Program provides funding supporting dispute-resolution services throughout Washington. The state specifically identifies services involving family stability, pre-divorce child custody, small claims, housing disputes and other conflicts as part of the work performed by Washington's dispute resolution centers.

ADDITIONAL GRANTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Washington law gives a qualified dispute resolution center broad authority to seek additional funding. Under RCW 7.75.070, a center may seek and accept contributions from:

• Clark County and municipalities;
• Washington State agencies;
• federal government agencies;
• private sources; and
• other available funding sources. 

That gives Clark County the ability to pursue grants and partnerships as funding opportunities become available rather than depending upon one source of revenue.

SLIDING-SCALE FEES

Washington law also allows dispute resolution services to be provided without charge or for a fee based upon a participant's ability to pay. RCW 7.75.030 therefore provides another potential component of a sustainable funding structure while protecting access for people who cannot afford mediation.

MY GOAL

As Clark County Clerk, I would work with the County Council, Superior Court, Washington State agencies, existing dispute resolution providers and community partners to develop a financially sustainable program.

The goal would be straightforward: use existing dedicated funding, pursue state and federal grants, develop community partnerships, and use sliding-scale fees where appropriate while reducing the number of disputes that require costly court proceedings.

Friends of Rachel Shapiro P.O. Box 5912 Vancouver, WA 98668