Marshall County commissioners approved the first reading of ordinance 2025‑31 to establish a Public Defender Department that would centralize administration of indigent defense, align budgeting, and allow the county to seek state reimbursement for eligible expenses.

County counsel said the ordinance formalizes an effort begun earlier in the year to adopt the public‑defender model other counties use. The proposed department would improve scheduling and oversight; rather than hiring a full‑time department head, commissioners were told the county expects to contract with an experienced attorney‑manager from the Rochester area who currently manages Fulton County’s program to coordinate schedules and coverage.

A commissioner who supported the measure said the change should help recruit and retain public defenders, reduce shortages and improve justice outcomes. County estimates cited in the discussion said the state would reimburse roughly 40% of covered public‑defender costs; commissioners estimated net county savings on the order of about $50,000 per year if other factors remain constant.

The ordinance passed first reading. A motion to suspend the rules and adopt on second and third reading at the same meeting was proposed but withdrawn after a commissioner said the board should remain consistent and take the second reading at the next regular meeting. The item is scheduled for additional readings on the December 15 meeting agenda.

What’s next: Second and third readings are scheduled for the December 15 meeting; county staff will prepare appropriation and transfer actions for the 2026/2027 budget year as needed.