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Board tables juvenile indigent-defense contracts after members flag added fees and material changes
Summary
Commissioners raised objections to newly added fees and a two-year initial term in proposed juvenile indigent-defense contracts; they directed staff to remove additional fee language or revert to a one-year term and to consider a quick special meeting to ensure court representation is in place.
County staff returned with revised contract language for juvenile indigent defense providers, including Childress & Justice LLC. Legal counsel and commissioners identified material changes from prior presentations: an initial term expanded from one year to two years and several extra fees (for specially set calendar days, hearings longer than five days, and appeals) that were not in the packages previously discussed.
Board members expressed concern about unexpected fees and whether contractors were attempting to shift costs for Guardian ad Litem services to the county. Legal counsel recommended removing the additional fees or reverting to a one-year initial term so the county could secure representation promptly while protecting fiscal oversight. The board agreed to table the contracts and to consider a special called meeting to finalize acceptable contracts quickly so juvenile court proceedings are not left without counsel.
