Oklahoma County shifts pretrial services to DA, approves DA and Team contracts totaling about $2.1 million

The Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners approved several moves to shift court services and renew legal support: a DA agreement renewal for up to $699,420.16, a recommendation to fund a pretrial services position in the District Attorney's Office for up to $160,103.84, and a decision not to renew a $114,675.45 contract with the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority because the DA's office will provide those services.

A representative of the District Attorney's Office (S9) told the board the office provides civil litigation and legal services on behalf of the county — including tort claims and foreclosure actions — and currently dedicates four attorneys to county business. The representative said the office handled 852 requests for legal services last year and cited an average billing metric used to compare costs per request.

Policy and Governance presented Team's full ask for court services of $1,328,114.66 and proposed funding $1,263,799.16 based on expected savings from not renewing the Daily Living Centers contract. Commissioners discussed whether to approve the full amount and the budget methodology; a motion to approve funding was made during the meeting.

Supporters of shifting services to the DA argued it will consolidate functions and potentially save money, while staff noted transitions may change existing contracts and require coordination with entities that previously provided parts of pretrial services. The board approved the DA renewal and the DA pretrial services funding by voice vote and approved not renewing the contract with the Criminal Justice Authority.