Eaton County Prosecutor urges funding to retain staff and ensure adequate case management

Eaton County's Board of Commissioners faced pressing concerns during a special budget meeting on June 27, 2025, as the county prosecutor's office highlighted critical staffing shortages and the impact of proposed budget cuts. The prosecutor's office, already operating under significant strain, warned that further reductions would jeopardize their ability to fulfill mandated functions and serve the community effectively.

The prosecutor's office has struggled with understaffing for years, with attorneys often working excessive hours—sometimes up to 80 hours a week—without adequate compensation. The office has lost nearly a century of attorney experience since 2020, primarily due to competitive offers from neighboring jurisdictions that provide better pay and manageable workloads. This turnover has not only strained the remaining staff but has also resulted in a loss of institutional knowledge, making it increasingly difficult to recruit qualified personnel.

During the meeting, the prosecutor emphasized that the current budget cuts would push the office below a "serviceable level," defined by the Michigan Supreme Court as the minimum necessary to fulfill statutory obligations. The office's denial rate for cases has risen sharply, indicating that they are unable to manage their workload effectively. The prosecutor urged the board to reconsider the proposed funding reductions and to allocate sufficient resources to maintain vacant positions and offer competitive salaries to attract and retain staff.

The discussion underscored the vital role of the prosecutor's office in ensuring community safety and justice, with the prosecutor calling attention to the heavy burdens placed on support staff who manage thousands of cases annually. The meeting concluded without immediate resolution, leaving the future of the prosecutor's office and its ability to serve the community in question. The board's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the office's capacity to operate effectively and meet the needs of Eaton County residents.