Board approves chief deputy and juvenile division chief for public defender's office

The Hall County Board of Commissioners approved the creation of two positions in the public defender's office to provide additional leadership and operational flexibility.

Vicky (the incoming public defender) told the board she was "extremely honored" to be elected and requested authority to add a chief deputy and a juvenile division chief so the office can delegate duties, maintain continuity and provide specialized oversight of juvenile cases. She said the positions would help the office manage workloads and provide coverage when the elected defender is unavailable.

Members of the classification committee reviewed the request and recommended approval. The committee and the board discussed budget implications: Vicky and staff estimated the additional cost at approximately $20,454.21 and noted that prior unspent salary lines and reductions in outside counsel appointments should offset some costs over time.

Commissioners stressed the need to preserve appropriate separation between juvenile and criminal work where required by prior resolutions or budgets, but they also indicated support for operational flexibility so one attorney can follow a client who has matters in both juvenile and adult court. The board voted 7-0 to approve the positions and the updated job descriptions, effective when Vicky is sworn in.

The action authorizes the county to add the two line items to the public defender budget and directs staff to monitor expenditures and bring a budget amendment if necessary.