Commission extends indigent-defense contract and adds code-enforcement coverage

The board approved a contract with Sullivan & Ogletree, PC to provide indigent defense in Griffin Municipal Court for fiscal year 2027 with a base amount of $55,000 and optional renewal terms.

City staff said the contract continues services provided by Sam Sullivan and Michelle Ogletree and explained that the court and judge requested adding representation for code-enforcement citations because such citations can carry criminal penalties. "They're here on Thursdays. They represent anybody that doesn't have the money to pay for an attorney," staff said, describing the providers' role in criminal and traffic matters. Staff also explained the change reflected an increase from the prior contract amount, which had not been adjusted since inception.

Commissioners asked about the number of people represented; staff could not provide a precise recent count during the meeting but said code-enforcement cases have come up multiple times in the last month. The board approved the contract by motion and recorded a unanimous vote.

Staff indicated the city will track indigent-defense use and budget implications; no schedule of caseload or specific fiscal projection was provided during the hearing.