While the sentiment is admirable, the reaction of some on the McHenry County Board is a little puzzling to the addition of yet another $2 fee tacked onto court costs of individuals who come through traffic or criminal court.

Court fees are astronomical and have been for some time. We highlighted the issue in a front-page Northwest Herald story in spring 2010. It came up again last week in senior reporter Kevin Craver’s story about the County Board initially balking at a new state-mandated fee to pay to automate the State’s Attorney’s Office records. Eventually, the County Board voted to create the fund to collect it.

Court fees are so high that traffic judges frequently deliver speeches to those in the gallery that they should not blame the circuit clerk at the payment window when they go to settle their financial matters because the fees are set by state legislators and the County Board.