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Ohio Public Defender seeks county approval for $389,640 contract and two staff positions
Summary
Ohio Public Defender representatives presented a proposed SFY 2027 contract for $389,640 and requested two new positions (a social worker and a criminal investigator) that they said would cost Washington County $42,000; commissioners deferred a final decision pending review with prosecutors, the sheriff and judges.
Representatives from the Ohio Public Defender’s Office asked the Washington County Board of Commissioners on April 23 for approval of an SFY 2027 contract valued at $389,640 and for authorization to add two positions they said would strengthen local defense services.
Patrick Clark and colleagues Jessica Madison, Ray Smith and Shawna Landaker told commissioners the contract amount is based on an estimated statewide reimbursement rate of 80 percent and would be paid in four equal installments of $97,410. Clark said the proposed hires — a social worker and a criminal investigator — would increase local costs by about $42,000.
"The additional employees would cost the county $42,000," Clark said. He added that the multi-county fund currently has a cash reserve balance and is returning money to the county.
Commission President Charlie L. Schilling said he wanted to balance staffing benefits against county obligations and requested consultation with the Prosecutor, Sheriff and local judges. Commissioners agreed to reconvene on the matter in two to four weeks to allow for the requested due diligence.
No formal vote to approve the OPD contract was recorded at the April 23 meeting.
