County Council Approves $85K Salary for New Prosecuting Attorney Position

The St. Francois County Commission convened on August 12, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on staffing within the prosecuting attorney's office.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding the hiring of a new prosecuting attorney. Officials acknowledged the wage pressures associated with attracting qualified candidates, emphasizing the need for experience in the role. The proposed salary for the new position was set at a maximum of $85,000, with total costs, including benefits, estimated to reach approximately $111,000.

A motion was made to authorize the hiring of the new attorney at the proposed salary, which was seconded and opened for discussion. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on neighboring counties, particularly regarding workload distribution among the four counties served by the prosecuting attorney's office. It was noted that Washington County had recently lost its assistant prosecutor, which could further complicate the situation.

The commission is actively considering how to manage the increased responsibilities that may arise from hiring a new prosecutor, ensuring that the needs of St. Francois County are met without overburdening the resources of surrounding counties.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen the prosecuting attorney's office while addressing the challenges of recruitment and regional collaboration. Further discussions and decisions regarding this staffing initiative are expected in future meetings.