Monroe County public defenders press commissioners for pay parity; chief warns he may leave

Chief Public Defender Jason LaVar told the Monroe County Board of Commissioners on March 5 that a proposed county salary grid that places public defender management below comparable prosecutor positions risks staff retention and could force him to consider leaving his role.

LaVar, who spoke during the meeting's public-comment period, described a 20-year career in the county public defender's office and said the board's decision "leaves me with no other option than to strongly consider moving on." He and attorneys from his office urged the commissioners to adjust proposed pay levels so management in the public defender's office is competitive with the district attorney's office.

The issue drew remarks from multiple attorneys who said the proposed grid undervalues work done by public defenders and will worsen staffing shortages. "By proposing a pay grid that places the chief public defender position below that of the first assistant district attorney position, this county signals to our office and to the public that it does not value our work as…