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County Attorney asks commissioners for a third full-time attorney and to pursue a Victim Advocate grant
Summary
County Attorney Bethany Lee told commissioners Jackson County handles 443 criminal and 1,206 traffic cases with two attorneys and requested funding for a third full-time attorney for the 2027 budget; she also said she will seek a Victim Advocate grant with a possible 100% match waiver.
County Attorney Bethany Lee urged commissioners to budget for additional staff in 2027, citing heavy caseloads and comparisons with neighboring counties.
Lee said Jackson County currently has 443 criminal cases and 1,206 traffic cases handled by two attorneys, and she pointed to other counties with similar staffing that handle comparable caseloads. She requested that the 2027 budget include a third full-time attorney, noting starting salaries she found in other counties ranged from $88,000 to $134,000.
Lee also said she will pursue a grant to fund a Victim Advocate and believes the grant has a "100% match waiver," though she said the grant would require annual reapplication. Chairman Pruett asked her to check wages in surrounding counties for a comparable position size.
