Tift County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee

New technology fees for Tift probate cases

Tift County Probate Court can charge up to $5 for each civil action filed and add up to $5 to each fine. The probate judge sets the amounts. The money can only fund the court’s approved technology needs: computers, software, accessories, and imaging, scanning, fax, communications, projection, and printing tools. Approved costs include purchases, computer hardware leases, maintenance and installation, and leases of the other listed equipment. The money can also pay for services or equipment to turn court records and archives into digital content for public access. The clerk must keep collections in a separate account, subject to audit by an auditor approved by Tift County’s governing authority. Authority to assess these fees ends July 1, 2036. Any leftover money remains dedicated to general Tift County technology uses.