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Supervisors press for review of assigned-counsel costs, public defender raises contract and staffing issues
Summary
Committee members pressed the public defender and county staff for an explanation of rising assigned-counsel costs, discussed use of local attorneys versus Capital Region firms, and heard updates on DCJS grants and a proposed Harrell/Herring contract; direction given to gather data and return recommendations.
Unidentified Speaker 16, speaking for the Public Defender's Office, told the committee the office received approximately $207,000 in DCJS discovery-reform grants and is exploring federal reimbursement options for parental representation. The office also raised concerns about a proposed Harrell/Herring contract that seeks roughly $330,000 in additional funds for implementation and expressed reluctance to sign in its current form.
Committee members focused extended discussion on assigned-counsel costs, which several supervisors said have grown substantially, particularly payments to attorneys from the Capital Region that include travel reimbursement. "It looks like we have 3 or 4 attorneys out of the Albany area over $200,000 a year," said Unidentified Speaker 5, who asked whether the county is legally required to pay travel costs and whether more work could be given to local attorneys. Unidentified Speaker 17 and others noted the local panel system allows assigned counsel to refuse offers and that the local pool of attorneys has shrunk, complicating efforts to keep work local.
Members requested several follow-ups: an explanation of assignment practices, year-over-year cost data, and consideration of contracting or adjusting pay rates to attract local attorneys. The committee asked staff to present a cost-benefit analysis of potential changes and to return with data at a future meeting.
The committee also agreed to move the public defender’s reappointment and unresolved contract items to the full Board for further consideration.
