Committee endorses state-funded plan to hire three prosecutors to reduce backlog

The committee voted to recommend that the full Jackson County Board approve three full-time prosecutor positions funded by a state grant, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney told the committee.

"We were getting $575,038," the prosecuting office representative said, adding that the office expects to receive $599,009.65 for fiscal 2026 and that the grant would be available for four years. The office asked that the positions be authorized for three years, saying the new hires would allow staff to address a backlog of cases and handle more jury trials.

Prosecutor staff told the committee the grant covers salaries, benefits, desks, computers and other startup costs. Committee members voted unanimously to forward the request to the full board for approval. The motion was offered by Commissioner Dukham and supported by Commissioner Bair.