Prosecutor asks commissioners for new full-time deputy; board delays decision for two weeks

Teton County Prosecutor’s Office requested a new full-time deputy prosecutor position to replace a contracted deputy who handles juvenile, misdemeanor and problem-solving-court caseloads. County legal recruiting timelines and the seasonal cycle of law‑school hiring were cited as the reason leadership asked the board to approve creating a permanent position now so the office could recruit during campus hiring season.

The prosecutor proposed a starting salary figure (roughly matching surrounding offices) so a new-hire offer would be competitive with neighboring jurisdictions and state public defenders. The office said the existing contracted position ran approximately $105,000 annually and the new full-time hire would primarily increase benefits and other personnel costs; however commissioners and the clerk noted a fiscal-year budget shortfall between the current contract line and the requested conversion and asked for a detailed cost impact analysis before committing to a permanent addition.

Concerns cited at the meeting included: timing relative to the county’s budget process; short-term overlap costs for training and for continuing the contracted deputy during onboarding; and the county’s limited remaining cash for one‑time or ongoing salary increases. The board discussed options including using remaining cash this fiscal year to extend the contract while completing recruitment, or tabling the request until the board completes a budget review. The prosecutor agreed to provide additional numbers and the board voted to table the conversion request until its next regular meeting on February 24 to allow staff and commissioners to analyze the fiscal impact and recruiting risks.

Ending: The conversion request was tabled for two weeks. The prosecutor will return with a detailed budget impact statement and recruitment plan so the board can consider the fiscal tradeoffs before final action.