Hall County paralegals ask board for 12% pay increase, citing heavy caseloads and retention risk

Brandy Saint John, a paralegal in the Hall County criminal office, told commissioners the support staff has absorbed large workloads and modernized office operations, asking the board to recognize that with higher pay. "We have 155 years of combined experience between our office, our criminal office and juvenile services," she said, and added that a 12% increase for her office would have a one‑year budget impact of $54,312.21.

Amber Siegel, another paralegal, described day‑to‑day duties and high caseloads — "3 to 4,000 new cases a year" at some stations — that now include redaction of lengthy discovery and court support functions once handled by additional positions. Marty (speaker 6), who introduced the group and asked staff to present specifics, reiterated that the board will consider the request within the budget process but emphasized the need to compare titles and experience across county offices. Commissioners signaled support for further review but declined to approve the increase immediately, noting a countywide salary study is planned and additional classification work is needed.

Why it matters: Paralegals and legal assistants provide the backbone of county prosecutions and court operations; commissioners said losing experienced support staff would hamper county legal services and cause additional costs if positions must be rehired or work redistributed. The board asked staff to bring back more classification detail and budget scenarios before taking formal action.