About the Clerk of Court's Office

The Clerk of Circuit Court has many roles:

Statutory:

To provide record keeping and collect all fees, fines and forfeitures for the judicial system.  Wisconsin Statute 753.30 outlines the duties and powers of this position. 

Financial:

The Clerk of Courts Office has a budget approved by the County Board.  We collect over 3.6 million a year in fees, fines and forfeitures.

Supervisory:

We have 22 employees working in the office.  The Clerk of Circuit Court is responsible for all personnel matters; creating and enforcing office policies, hiring new staff, annual performance evaluations, providing training opportunities, and ensuring all appropriate rules and guidelines are followed.  

Staff Backup:

The Clerk of Circuit Court will fill in for staff when needed.  This may include clerking court hearings and jury trials, receptionist duties, or assisting the public.

Department Head:

The Clerk of Circuit Court prepares and presents reports to the County Board and its subcommittees.  The Clerk of Circuit Court represents the office in meetings and functions.

Liaison:

The Clerk of Circuit Court works closely with the judges, district court administrator, state offices and other Clerks of Circuit Court to address issues within the court system. 

Committee Member:

The Clerk of Circuit Court is a voting member of the Criminal Justice Collaborative Council (CJCC)The CJCC is a group of stakeholders that collaborate on the issues affecting the Eau Claire County Criminal Justice System.  The Clerk of Circuit Court is often asked to be a member of ad hoc committees or work groups.

 

Information on the Clerk of Court's Office

LOCATION:

Courthouse

HOURS:

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Customers should arrive in time to complete all business by the close of business.  A drop box is available at the Oxford Avenue entrance of the Courthouse after business hours. 

DEPARTMENT HEAD:

Susan Schaffer
PHONE: 715-839-6299
FAX:715-839-4817

EMAIL ADDRESS:

Eauclaire.Info@wicourts.gov (We do not accept any official documents or filings via email)

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:

22

HISTORY OF DEPARTMENT:

The Clerk of Courts office is statutorily mandated to provide record keeping and collect all fees, fines and forfeitures for the judicial system.  The office is headed by the Clerk of Circuit Court, a county elected position.  Until 1978 when the court system reorganized, the Clerk of Court office provided administrative services for both the county court and circuit court.  Wisconsin is now under a single trial court system.

MISSION STATEMENT/
DEPARTMENTAL PURPOSE:

The Clerk of Court office provides administrative support services for all branches of the Eau Claire County Circuit Court including record keeping for all court cases, collecting money on court ordered obligations, and managing the court's jury system.  We also assist the public in accessing the courts and its records.  As representatives of the judicial system, Clerk of Court staff treat those we help and serve with dignity, fairness, and sensitivity.

TOPICS DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
CAN SPEAK ABOUT:

Jury service; deferred payment plan procedures for unpaid fines; Underage Drinking program; the Consolidated Court Automation Program; the court system in general.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

PHONE: 715-839-4816

FAX:  715-839-4817

AVAILABLE SPEAKERS:

Susan Schaffer, Clerk of Circuit Court