LaSalle County committee forwards plan for part‑time assistant state's attorney, funding pegged at $52,000

The LaSalle County Law and Justice Committee on Jan. 27 agreed to forward a proposal to the county’s salary & labor committee to create a part‑time assistant state's attorney position, citing persistent staffing shortages in the state's attorney's office.

A representative of the state's attorney's office told the committee the office has been shorthanded following retirements and other departures and needs flexible staffing options while it recruits full‑time lawyers. "We're asking ... for $52,000 a year," the office representative said, describing the salary proposed for the new, part‑time post. On hours, the representative said, "At least 20 a week I believe is the intent." The representative added the part‑time role would allow the office to "tap the local attorney pool" and fill gaps while full‑time recruitment continues.

Committee members raised few technical questions and moved, by motion, to send the position and funding proposal to the county salary & labor committee for review; the motion carried. The committee did not set final funding in the meeting and left salary and labor to review specifics such as pay grade, benefits and whether the part‑time role would be temporary once full‑time hires are feasible.

The staff representative described the change as an operational flexibility measure rather than a permanent restructuring: if the office becomes fully staffed with full‑time attorneys later, the county may no longer need the part‑time position. The committee’s vote simply advanced the proposal to salary & labor rather than approving a hiring action or an immediate budget transfer.

Next steps: the salary & labor committee will examine pay and funding and return recommendations to the full county board or the Law and Justice Committee as required by county procedures.