Starks v. Sandusky County Board of Commissioners

Opinion

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO WESTERN DIVISION

Charles Starks, Case No. 3:24-cv-1220

Plaintiff,

v. ORDER

Sandusky County Board of Commissioners, et al.,

Defendants.

On May 20, 2025, Plaintiff’s filed a Bill of Costs, seeking $3,914.97. (Doc. No. 21). The next day, on May 21, 2025, Defendants filed an objection, alleging the Bill of Costs improperly includes the cost of expert fees in the amount of $3,500. (Doc. No. 22). In support, Defendants correctly notes that the Sixth Circuit has held “expert witness fees may not be taxed as costs at a court’s discretion under Rule 54(d) because [28 U.S.C. ]§ 1920 does not provide for them.” L & W Supply Corp. v. Acuity, 475 F.3d 737, 741 (6th Cir. 2007). Plaintiff filed nothing in response to Defendants’ objection to suggest any exception applies, which may justify an award of expert fees. Accordingly, I sustain Defendants’ objection and award Plaintiff $414.97 in costs.

So Ordered.

s/ Jeffrey J. Helmick United States District Judge