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Public Defender and District Attorney secure contracts and grants for indigent defense and victim services
Summary
The committee approved contracts for assigned-counsel services and client transport for the Public Defender, accepted a DCJS Aid to Defense supplemental grant (min $100,000), and authorized a DA Office of Victim Services grant award of $177,284.94 and a VAWA grant application for 2027.
The Public Safety Committee on July 30 approved multiple contracts and grant actions affecting indigent defense and victim services. The committee authorized a professional-services contract with Erie County Bar Association’s Assigned Counsel Program for criminal investigation at up to $90 per hour (MUNIS #3952) and a contract with RTS Wyoming for transportation of indigent Public Defender clients not to exceed $10,000 (MUNIS #3950); letters of support from RTS representatives Aimee Raider and Karen Gayton were included in the packet.
The committee also authorized acceptance of a DCJS Aid to Defense Supplemental for Discovery Reform (minimum $100,000; effective April 1, 2026–March 31, 2027) and accepted an Office of Victim Services grant for victim services in a minimum amount of $177,284.94 (effective Oct. 1, 2026–Sept. 30, 2028). The DA also was authorized to apply for a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant for 2027. Motions were recorded as carried by recorded votes in the minutes.
