To: Dale K. Weighill, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Nathaniel C. Perry, III, Chief Public Defender
title
RE: Approval of an amendment to the Professional Services Contract with Philip H. Beauvais, III, PC., in an amount not to exceed $156,000.00, for the coordination and delivery of weekday arraignments, misdemeanors, and other legal services for the term of October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026; the cost of this agreement will be paid from account 2921-283.00-818.008
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve an amendment of the Professional Services Contract with Philip H. Beauvais, III, PC., for the coordination and delivery of weekday arraignments, misdemeanors, and other legal services for the term of October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026; the cost of this agreement will be paid from account 2921-283.00-818.008
BACKGROUND:
The original contract between Philip H. Beauvais, III, PC., and Genesee County was approved by the Board on September 27, 2023, by RES-2023-600. The original term of the contract was October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024, subject to three (3) one-year extensions. The first one year extension was approved on September 18, 2024, by RES-2024-1000, and expires on September 30, 2025.
DISCUSSION:
This contract for the coordination and delivery of legal services is necessary to comply with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission’s (“MIDC”) Minimum Standards for Indigent Criminal Defense Services, including the provision of counsel at arraignment and all other critical stages in the district courts and newer requirements for attorney compensation and qualifications.
This proposed amendment extends the contract for one additional year. All other terms and conditions remain the same, including the total initial amount not to exceed $156,000, with a provision allowing for an amendment to increase the maximum compensation amount, if necessary, as required by the MIDC.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
None.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
This contract is fully funded by the MIDC Grant under attorney fees, 2921-283.00-818.008, with no additional county allocation required.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None, the Office of the Public Defender currently has the necessary space.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None, necessary equipment for the use of technology is set up in the McCree Building.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator and roster of attorneys will provide constitutionally guaranteed legal counsel to indigent individuals charged with crimes, ensuring they understand the charges against them and identifying any underlying social issues, such as substance abuse or mental health concerns. Counsel will use this information to advocate for appropriate bond conditions and case resolutions, communicating available resources and services to clients and promoting safe communities.
The Office of the Public Defender is responsible for providing constitutionally guaranteed, quality legal representation to all adults charged with crimes in Genesee County who cannot afford an attorney, embracing diversity, equity and inclusion in our daily operations. This contract ensures equity and fairness for all of those charged with crimes in district court. The roster of misdemeanor attorneys is also comprised of attorneys with a variety of experience levels and backgrounds, bringing diverse people to the table.
The Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator oversees a roster of attorneys with a variety of experience levels, with more experienced attorneys available to assist with the less experienced attorneys, creating a sense of place that will retain and attract young attorneys to Genesee County.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Chief Public Defender to authorize amending the Professional Services Contract between Genesee County and Philip H. Beauvais, III, P.C., for a Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator for weekday arraignment, misdemeanors, and other legal services, said amendment being necessary to extend the contract for one year commencing October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $156,000 to be paid from account 2921-283.00-818.008, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documentation being on file with the official records of the September 17, 2025 meeting of the Governmental Operations Committee of this Board), and the Chairperson of this Board is authorized to execute the contract amendment on behalf of Genesee County.