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Tooele County defense and children’s services seek modest staff increases; defenders say pay lags peers
Summary
Public defenders and the Children’s Justice Center asked the commission for modest increases and reallocation to cover rising court demands. Defense contract pay is near the bottom among peers, a presenter said, and the CJC asked to convert a part‑time forensic interviewer to ~34.5 hours to cover subpoenas and training.
Officials overseeing criminal defense contracts and child advocacy services told the commission they need modest budget adjustments to maintain services.
Children’s Justice Center: Rachel Cowan said the CJC’s state reimbursement for July 2025–June 2026 totals $231,856, with a potential one‑time $35,000. She asked that a part‑time victim advocate/forensic interviewer be moved to approximately 34.5 hours per week to meet court subpoena and forensic interview demand across multiple jurisdictions. "We have one of the best in the state here," Cowan said of the staff forensic trainer and argued increased hours reflect frequent court obligations.
Public defense: A county attorney or contract manager (presenting as Corey) described defense pay and coverage needs, told the council the average contractor pay per district-court case is roughly $347 and said the county is "second to last" in pay, making recruitment difficult. He requested cost-of-living adjustments and an additional half position to reduce caseloads and retain experienced local attorneys, arguing that competent local defenders reduce trials and system costs.
Council response: Council members thanked presenters and asked for more detailed data and cost projections. No formal votes or contract changes were taken at the Nov. 12 meeting; staff were asked to include the requests in the next round of budget deliberations.
