Item:
Title
Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC042 Appropriating General Fund Fund Balance of $217,860 in Support of Amending the Authorized Strength of the County Attorney’s Office to Establish two New Full-Time Equivalent Position
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: October 28, 2024
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC042 appropriating General Fund fund balance of $217,860 in support of amending the authorized strength of the County Attorney’s office to create a new Deputy County Attorney position to manage and support the Department of Social Services legal matters based on an increased workload and an Assistant County Attorney position to assist with general legal services.
Board of Commissioner approval is required to increase the authorized strength of the County Attorney’s Office and move forward with the position recruitment process, as well as the funding to support position costs. The authorized strength of the office will increase from twenty-five full-time equivalents to twenty-seven full-time equivalents.
The Deputy County Attorney position will assist with supporting Department of Social Services litigation cases, providing legal counsel and representation in Social Services matters, including but not limited to: Child Welfare, Child Support, Foster Care and Adult Protective Services. This position will play a critical role in protecting the rights and interest of individuals and families, ensuring that they receive the services they need. The Assistant County Attorney position will be essential in assisting with the anticipated increase of 2025 tax reappraisal appeals, in addition to the continued need for litigation, public records request responses, legal guidance, etc. within the General Legal Services Division. The addition of this position will ensure that the Legal Department can efficiently manage the influx of tax appeals without sacrificing its effectiveness for other departments. Furthermore, this additional position will provide a cost savings benefit to the County as it will eliminate the need to contract with outside counsel for tax appeal purposes. In accordance with County practice, and as with all positions, the new positions will be evaluated over time to determine their continued need. The costs associated with the additional positions are $217,860, including salary and benefits ($201,500) equipment ($6,000) and other expenses ($10,360).
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The request aligns with Focus Area: High Performing Organization.
Resource Persons: Larissa Williamson, County Attorney; Kathy Everett Perry, CHRO/Chief Employment Counsel; Dara Richardson, Human Resources Assistant Director
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve Budget Ordinance Amendment No. 25BCC042 appropriating General Fund fund balance of $217,860 in support of amending the authorized strength of the County Attorney’s office to create a Deputy County Attorney position to manage and support the Department of Social Services legal needs and an Assistant County Attorney position to support the General Legal Services Division matters.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________