During the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors meeting on December 3, 2024, County Attorney presented a detailed budget proposal highlighting the operational costs and staffing needs of his office. The attorney emphasized the importance of maintaining efficient services for the community while managing a reduced budget due to the absence of an assistant.

The attorney's budget for the current fiscal year is projected at $309,049, with expectations to return at least $50,000 to the county. This reduction is attributed to the elimination of an assistant position, which previously cost around $45,000 annually. The attorney noted that despite the absence of this role, his office has continued to handle a consistent caseload, indicating effective management and resource allocation.

In his presentation, the attorney provided comparative data on salaries and operational costs among similar counties, illustrating that Chickasaw County ranks in the middle for attorney salaries but near the bottom for overall office costs. He argued that this demonstrates a good return on investment for taxpayers, with costs amounting to approximately $10 per person for legal services.

The attorney is requesting a 4% salary increase for himself and his staff, aligning with raises given to union employees. He believes this adjustment is necessary to remain competitive with neighboring counties, especially as the market rate for county attorneys has risen.

The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by other counties in hiring and retaining legal staff, with some counties struggling to fill attorney positions. The attorney's analysis suggests that maintaining a competitive salary is crucial for attracting talent and ensuring the continued effectiveness of legal services in Chickasaw County.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the attorney's thorough presentation and the importance of his office's work in serving the community. The proposed budget and salary adjustments will be further reviewed in upcoming sessions, with an emphasis on balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for adequate legal representation.