New payment system for jurors

St. Joseph County is changing the way payment is distributed for jury-duty service.

Commissioners on Tuesday approved an agreement with Rapid Financial Solutions, which is behind a process that provides debit cards instead of a mailed check for people who serve as jurors.

County clerk Lindsay Oswald said the agreement with the Utah-based company amounts to 49 cents per payment download

She said the process involves handing a card to jurors as they check in. Upon dismissal, jurors will have their card loaded with the amount equal to their length of jury duty.

The process benefits jurors, she noted, as it allows them the benefit of securing their payment immediately. Jurors are paid $12.50 for a half day of service and $25 for a full day.

Commissioner Dan Czajkowski said there is no contract with Rapid Financial Solutions and the county is free to opt-out at any time.