Last Updated: February 3, 2005, 05:28:55 AM PST

Seeking reimbursement for expenses from the Scott Peterson case is among the top legislative priorities for Stanislaus County, the Board of Supervisors said.
County officials have not said what has been spent on the case. Modesto officials estimate the police department spent $1 million on the search for Laci Peterson and subsequent investigation.

Stanislaus County Superior Court has paid $400,000 to San Mateo County, where the trial was held after a judge ruled that the publicity was too overwhelming to hold it Modesto. But the court still owes nearly $350,000, San Mateo County officials said.

A jury convicted Scott Peterson on Nov. 12 counts of firstand second-degree murder. The same jury later recommended the death penalty. Formal sentencing is set for March 11.

Stanislaus County would be eligible to receive state assistance if it spent more than $1.5 million, not including normal salaries and expenses, on the prosecution, housing Peterson and transportation.

"The Peterson case continues to be at the top of our list," county Chief Executive Officer Rick Robinson said Tuesday.

Also Tuesday, supervisors unanimously approved:

Accepting a $150,000 contribution from the Sutter Gould Medical Foundation to help the county pay for services at Health Service Agency clinics.

Accepting $500,000 in federal funds to help the county sheriff's department develop a marijuana eradication initiative in the Central Valley.

Bee staff writer Joel Hood can be reached at 238-4574 or jhood@modbee.com.