Public defender projects end-of-year savings but seeks staffing authorizations and technology upgrades

Public Defender Kristi Egger told the Lancaster County Board on June 9 that her office expects to remain within the current-year budget and finish approximately $153,000 under budget despite a $25,000 expert witness expense incurred in May.

Egger reviewed a proposed 3.87% increase in next year’s budget driven largely by personnel costs and rising expert witness expenses. She asked that an unfunded mitigation specialist position remain authorized so the office can add the position later if workload data collected in early 2027 justify funding. Egger described two attorney vacancies—one that should be filled after a recent law clerk is admitted to the bar and one that will be filled at a lower salary level following a resignation—and proposed upgrading a paralegal and a legal secretary to reflect expanded responsibilities.

On technology needs, Egger outlined a planned replacement cycle for laptops, desktops and monitors and raised the possibility of adopting Axon, a digital evidence management platform, to streamline handling of body-worn camera and other video evidence. She said the Axon option would require additional cost review during budget deliberations.

Egger also requested consideration of an additional law clerk now and a future attorney and paralegal position to address increasing caseloads and complexity. Commissioners did not take formal action during the meeting; Meyer noted the requests will be part of continued budget discussions.