Commission approves continued state-pay reimbursement for district attorney staff

The Upson County Board of Commissioners on May 27 approved a resolution authorizing the district attorney of the Griffin Judicial Circuit to contract with the State of Georgia so that certain district attorney’s office positions can be processed through the state payroll system and become eligible for state fringe benefits.

Chief Assistant District Attorney David Stegard told commissioners the arrangement — commonly used in multi‑county circuits — lets employees participate in state retirement and benefits packages while counties reimburse the state for those payroll costs. He said the program is renewed every four years and last had county action in June 2021.

Stegard described the arrangement as a cost-effective way to hire and retain personnel and said it helps the county by reducing the county’s direct cost for benefits. “It’s a great way for us to retain and and and keep or hire and keep, quality folks,” he said during his presentation. He also noted that Spalding and Pike counties participate while Fayette County opts to fund positions entirely at the county level.

Commissioners were told there is no immediate additional budget impact from ratifying the resolution; any fiscal effects for specific positions would be considered through the DA’s annual budget request. The board voted to adopt the resolution; following the vote, commissioners recorded unanimous approval.