Where are application fees collected for public defender services deposited?

The correct response is that application fees collected for public defender services are typically deposited in a special revenue fund. Special revenue funds are specifically designed to account for revenue that is generated from specific sources and is intended for specific purposes. In this case, the fees collected from applicants for public defender services are not general revenue; they are earmarked for supporting the costs associated with providing those legal services.

Special revenue funds help ensure that the money collected is used specifically for its designated purpose, providing transparency and accountability in municipal budgeting. This is why the choice of a special revenue fund aligns with the intention of using those funds directly for public defender services rather than placing it in a more generalized fund where the funds could be allocated elsewhere.

Other potential options, such as the current fund or capital improvement fund, would not appropriately reflect the intended use of application fees, as these funds are for broader operating costs or long-term investment in infrastructure, respectively.