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Office of the Public Defender proposes $4.2 million indigent-defense contract for FY 2027

Trumbull County Board of Commissioners · March 24, 2026

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Summary

Representatives from the Office of the Public Defender presented a proposed one-year contract to provide indigent defense to Trumbull County totaling $4,203,918, with an estimated county share of $775,256 and an 80% state reimbursement rate; commissioners asked for follow-up questions and additional details before approval.

Representatives of the Office of the Public Defender presented a proposed contract for fiscal year 2027 to continue indigent-defense services in Trumbull County from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The presenter said the total contract cost proposed is $4,203,918 and that the county share for fiscal year 2027 would be about $775,256, based on a projected state reimbursement rate of 80 percent. “It does represent a 5.4% increase over last year that is due primarily to regular payroll increases,” the presenter said, and noted the county share is a 2.4% decrease from the current fiscal year because of a state carryover/reserve credit of $65,553.

Commissioners asked to follow up with staff for additional detail. One commissioner suggested working with county finance staff and the county’s contract administrator to resolve remaining questions and to schedule a follow-up meeting: “We’re happy to answer any questions,” the presenter said, offering to remain after the workshop to discuss specifics.

Why it matters: Indigent-defense contracts are a significant county budget item and affect legal representation for residents who cannot afford counsel. Commissioners sign off on the county share in the budget process and may request line-item detail before authorizing execution.

Next steps: Presenters offered to meet with commissioners and staff after the workshop to answer questions and provide documentation; commissioners did not vote on the contract during the workshop.