Thomas A. Dunne

The Performance Improvement and Efficiencies (PIE) Committee meeting focused heavily on updates regarding data reporting and performance measurement initiatives. Key discussions included an update on Q1 cases and subcases, noting a significant increase in auto negligence and concerns over data reliability and submission completeness from various counties, which led to plans for clearer reporting protocols. The committee also reviewed the Q1 PMAP report. A major focus was establishing a new framework for SMART Action Plans, emphasizing specificity, measurability, and achievability, with a plan for committee members to pilot these new guidelines using existing data before a broader rollout. Updates were provided on ongoing workgroup activities, specifically concerning the PAC Workgroup, Payment Plan reporting, and the Future Performance Workgroup, which is developing new, data-driven performance measures. Furthermore, the Case Counting and Business Rule Workgroup reported that data reliability has improved to a point of immateriality regarding budget reallocation shifts, though they will continue spot checks and clarifying business rules. Finally, updates on new compliance initiatives and committee recruitment needs were shared.

The Budget Committee meeting agenda included several key items. Discussions covered an update on revenue and expenditures, as well as an update on the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC). A legislative update was provided. Action items included the approval of the Reserve Fund Calculation for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and the approval of the Base Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Workgroup updates were scheduled for Jury Management, Additional Budget Components (ABC), Reserve Fund Policy, and Vacancies Review.

The committee meeting agenda included a roll call, approval of the agenda, and review of minutes from the October 3, 2025, meeting. Key discussion items involved an update on cases and subcases, noting statewide growth driven primarily by Civil Traffic, with sharp divergences between county sizes. The Performance Measures and Action Plan (PMAP) update was presented, leading to a motion to remove Action Plans from being a voting item for the committee. Workgroup updates covered the Planning, Accountability, and Court Services (PAC) Workgroup's progress on modernizing the Clerk Court Services Framework, the Payment Plan Workgroup's review of reporting forms, and the Future Performance Workgroup's survey on performance metrics intended to inform legislative funding needs. Additionally, a request for volunteers for various workgroups was made.

The meeting addressed several agenda items including the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the June 11, 2025 meeting. Key discussions centered on updates regarding Cases and Subcases, noting statewide fluctuations with large counties driving growth and smaller counties seeing declines, particularly in traffic filings. The Performance Measures & Action Plans (PMAP) report for quarter two was approved, though there were suggestions to clarify terminology such as changing "no action plan" to "did not require action plan." The committee voted to postpone further action on SMART Action Plans pending progress from the future performance workgroup, as members expressed concerns about reporting burdens. Updates were provided on the PAC Workgroup's progress in redesigning the framework and drafting a glossary, the Payment Plan Workgroup's form revisions, and the Future Performance Workgroup's focus on evaluating current performance measures.

The Budget Committee meeting included updates on revenues and expenditures, a presentation of the 2026 committee workplan and calendar, and updates from the Jury Management and Additional Budget Components (ABC) Workgroups. Discussions covered the jury funding shortfall, the review of the current reimbursement process, and the prioritization of factors for the ABC Workgroup to review, such as cost-of-living and multiple courthouse locations. A new workgroup was proposed to review the existing Reserve Fund Policy. The committee also discussed tracking vacancies and the possibility of making it more uniform statewide. An overview of the budget development process and allocation methodology was provided, and a proposal was made to consider moving Miami-Dade into its own peer group for more accurate comparison.