Council approves public defender KSA classification after second reading, 5–1

The Monroe County Council on March 25 approved a three‑step Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) classification for a public defender position and simultaneously amended the 2025 salary ordinance for the Public Defender’s supplemental fund, following a second reading.

Chief Public Defender Michael Hunt attended with senior attorney Amy Payne and staff. Hunt said the candidate meets the classification criteria and that no additional county dollars were requested because the position’s salary level was already budgeted. Payne told the council the office has been stretched thin and that delays in approval cause tangible harm to clients and staff workloads: “Every single day, they're not getting what they deserve right now from me,” she said, noting the constitutional guarantee of adequate representation and describing the practical strain on attorneys required to pick up additional cases.

Council discussion was split. Councilor Hawk said she opposed continuing KSAs until the county’s revenue picture is clearer and said she had not supported the broader practice during budget hearings. Other councilors said timely staffing approvals were necessary to provide mandated legal representation. After public comment was requested and none offered, roll call recorded Councilor Bridal, yes; Councilor Henry, yes; Councilor Wilts, yes; Councilor Hawk, no; Councilor Iverson, yes; Councilor Deckard, yes. The president announced the motion passed by majority, 5–1.

Councilors asked the public defender’s office to keep council informed about staffing impacts and client service levels.