Dawson, who is accused of killing his wife in 1981, is on trial in Somerset County, but prosecuting him comes with a price tag. In addition, county officials are gearing up for another murder trial later this year, which will add to the expense.

"I can't recall in my 12 years here where there's ever been two murder trials in Somerset County in the same year," said Somerset County fiscal analyst Randy Welker.

Welker said, from sheriff's deputies to court reporters and jury expenses, everything adds up fast.

"We did anticipate some costs in the district attorney's office for expert witnesses, but that's just taking a snapshot in time last fall when they were trying to put this year's budget together," he said.

County officials have to let the district attorney spend what he needs to prosecute a case, but as for the actual costs, so far no one knows.

Later this year, four men who are charged with murder in the death of Bryant Adderly in 2009 will likely go to trial. Taxpayers already had to pay $600 just to bring one of the suspects back from Michigan. In addition, Welker said the sheriff will have to bring his entire staff into the courthouse for security.

While nearly half the county's budget already goes to the courts, Welker said commissioners will likely have to rework the numbers and dip into their reserve fund so they don't have to take drastic measures.

"It won't involve cutting a caseworker or laying off someone in the Recorder of Deeds office," Welker said.

The murder trials are not the only unanticipated expenses. County officials said just recently, an Iranian immigrant was pulled over on the turnpike and charged with drug violations. The county had to pay an interpreter $750 just for the arraignment. If the case goes to trial, it could cost taxpayers up to $10,000 just for an interpreter.