District Attorney trims request from nine positions to two; committee approves as critical request

Summary

District Attorney D.A. Boston withdrew eight of nine requested positions and asked the committee to approve two critical positions — an IT specialist to cover paternity leave and a deputy chief investigator for the digital forensics lab — which the committee approved as a critical budget request to advance to the full board.

District Attorney D.A. Boston told the DeKalb County Finance, Audit and Budget Committee she revised an original request for nine new positions and asked the committee to approve two immediate, critical hires: an IT specialist to cover an upcoming paternity leave gap and a deputy chief investigator for the digital forensics lab.

Boston said the digital forensics lab is overwhelmed by requests from state, local and federal partners and needs staff to keep up with the increase in digital evidence. She said the two positions would allow the office to maintain operations until the broader FY2026 budget process can consider the remaining needs.

Commissioner Michelle Long Spears said she supported both additions and urged the DA to ensure the substitute that reduces the item from nine to two positions is walked on at the next business meeting. The committee voted to approve item 13‑24 with the amendment reducing the request from nine positions to two (the IT specialist and the deputy chief investigator) as a critical budget request.

The DA said the administration supports the recommendation and that she will provide the substitute to staff before the November 18 meeting.