To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Nathaniel C. Perry, III, Chief Public Defender
title
RE: Approval of a request to create, post, & fill one (1) Secretary position at Genesee County's Public Defender Office; this position is fully grant funded
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of request to create, post, and fill one Secretary position within the Office of the Public Defender; position is fully grant funded
BACKGROUND:
In 2008, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association published a report finding that the State of Michigan failed to provide constitutionally adequate defense counsel to those who cannot afford an attorney. In 2013, the state legislature created the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) to establish and enforce minimum standards for the delivery of indigent defense. As of October 24, 2023, the MIDC has established a total of nine standards for indigent defense. As a condition of funding, the Office of the Public Defender is required to remain in compliance with all standards and reporting requirements.
DISCUSSION:
The MIDC has continued to increase requirements for data collection and reporting to monitor compliance. The Office of the Public Defender will need to add a Secretary position to the team to aid in data collection, office operations, and maintain compliance with the expanding administrative responsibilities of the grant. The MIDC recognizes that the enhanced requirements will require additional staffing and provides all funding for this position.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
The position will need to be created and posted.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Funding for this position is covered through the MIDC grant, 2921-283.00. All MIDC Grant funding is included in the FY24/25 approved budget. No County appropriation is required.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
New staff will require the usual equipment.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The Office of the Public Defen...
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