Council authorizes advertising to create full‑time public defender post after contract turnover

The Greene County chief public defender recommended converting two contract roles into a single full‑time public defender position to reduce turnover and ensure better coverage for initial hearings. The presenter said only three private attorneys in the county were willing to do criminal defense and that contract positions have turned over frequently: "...the landscape for attorneys in Greene County has changed drastically over the years... we've had a lot of turnover," the chief said, arguing a funded full‑time hire would improve continuity.