County considers wage increase to attract qualified OPD manager candidates

Franklin County is taking significant steps to address staffing challenges within its Office of Public Defense (OPD) following a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting. The board discussed the recruitment status for both the OPD manager and a district court position, highlighting difficulties in attracting qualified candidates.

The OPD manager position has been reopened for recruitment after the prime candidate declined the job due to a substantial salary decrease of $60,000. This setback has prompted discussions about increasing the salary to attract more viable candidates. The interim OPD manager has temporarily filled the role with contractors, allowing the county to save on salary costs while the search for a permanent manager continues.

Commissioners expressed concern over the limited pool of applicants for the district court position, noting that many candidates lacked essential qualifications, such as a bar license. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of the current recruitment strategy.

To enhance the appeal of the OPD manager position, the board is considering a resolution to increase wages, aiming for implementation before the next recruitment cycle begins on July 1. The current job description requires the manager to handle a half caseload, but there are discussions about adjusting this requirement to focus more on managerial duties.

The board's actions reflect a commitment to improving the OPD's staffing situation, which is crucial for maintaining effective public defense services in the county. As the recruitment process unfolds, the county administration will continue to evaluate the needs of the OPD and report back to the commissioners with recommendations. This proactive approach aims to ensure that Franklin County can attract qualified professionals to serve its community effectively.