(A) A county court may establish by rule procedures for the resolution of disputes between parties. Any procedures so adopted shall include, but are not limited to, mediation. If the court establishes any procedures under this division, the court may include in the court's schedule of fees and costs under section 1907.24 of the Revised Code a reasonable fee, that is to be collected on the filing of each civil or criminal action or proceeding, and that is to be used to implement the procedures, and the court shall direct the clerk of the court to charge the fee.

(B) All fees collected under division (A) of this section shall be paid to the county treasurer. The treasurer shall place the funds from the fees in a separate fund to be disbursed either upon an order of the court, subject to an appropriation by the board of county commissioners, or upon an order of the court, subject to the court making an annual report available to the public listing the use of all such funds.

(C) If the court determines that the amount of the moneys in the fund described in division (B) of this section is more than the amount sufficient to satisfy the purpose for which the additional fee described in division (A) of this section was imposed, the court may declare a surplus in the fund and, subject to an appropriation by the board of county commissioners, expend the surplus moneys, or upon an order of the court, subject to the court making an annual report available to the public listing the use of all such funds, expend the surplus moneys, for other appropriate expenses of the court.

Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.28, HB 153, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2011.

Effective Date: 07-01-1997 .