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Acting District Attorney warns of staffing shortfall; committee approves new secretary position
Summary
Acting District Attorney Peter Degnan told the Public Safety Committee the office lacks enough attorneys to meet courts’ two‑attorney trial standard and described the situation as a “public safety crisis.” The committee approved creating a full‑time, county‑funded Secretary to the District Attorney position.
Acting District Attorney Peter Degnan told the Allegany County Public Safety Committee on May 6 that his office’s prior case‑recording system was inaccurate and that he is overhauling records to improve accuracy. He warned the committee the office currently “does not have enough lawyers to meet the court's requirement of at least two lawyers per trial,” calling the shortfall a “public safety crisis.”
The committee approved a request to create and fill one full‑time Secretary to the District Attorney (PEF Bargaining Unit, Grade G3, Step Base–11). The position’s annual salary range was listed as $41,847.80 to $57,927.23, with estimated annual benefits of $18,459.06 to $25,551.70; the request states the role is funded 100% with county dollars. Degnan told the committee that an existing position will be eliminated and the employee moved into the new title. County Administrator Carissa Knapp said budget is available because the office is understaffed.
Committee Chairman Steven Havey suggested Degnan meet with him, the County Administrator and the Vice‑Chairman to discuss the office’s staffing needs and next steps. Legislator Janice Burdick and others questioned form details; Legislator Jennifer Ricketts‑Swales noted the personnel form had the word “confidential” crossed out and Degnan confirmed the position is intended to be confidential.
The committee approved the personnel request on a motion by Legislator Healy, seconded by Legislator Whitney; members directed staff to prepare a formal resolution to create the position and refer it to the Ways and Means Committee. The resolution and any additional staffing actions will be considered in subsequent proceedings.
