Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Defender Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Humboldt County panel approves $132,509 to continue social worker in Public Defender’s office
Summary
The Executive Committee approved $132,509 in AB109 trust funding to continue a social worker in the Public Defender’s office for FY 2026–27; the office currently employs two social workers, one grant‑funded and one CCP‑funded.
Marie Essig, serving as proxy for Public Defender Luke Brownfield, presented a funding request on April 15, 2026, asking the Humboldt County Community Corrections Partnership Executive Committee to continue support for a Social Worker position in the Public Defender’s office for fiscal year 2026–27 in the amount of $132,509.
The committee approved the request unanimously. Director of DHHS Connie Beck moved to approve the funding and District Attorney Stacey Eads seconded the motion; all voting members present supported the measure. Chief Probation Officer Coral Sanders noted the AB109 trust has revenue coming in as expected and that the county will begin FY 2026–27 with roughly $11.2 million in the trust fund.
Essig described the Social Worker’s role as providing treatment, housing and employment assistance either prior to or upon release from custody, and providing a limited case management component that includes court‑date reminders and transportation assistance such as bus passes. She said the Public Defender’s office has two Social Workers: one licensed Social Worker funded by grant dollars, and one non‑licensed Social Worker currently funded through CCP resources.
Committee members emphasized aligning staffing and funding decisions with client needs and with available AB109 funding. The action carries the county’s formal approval to allocate $132,509 from the AB109 trust to continue the CCP‑funded Social Worker position in FY 2026–27.
