Public Defender’s Office Defends FY 18 Requested Budget

During a public hearing at the Stephens County Commission meeting on Tuesday, several employees from the Public Defender’s Office spoke on behalf of their FY 18 requested budget.

According to the requested budget, their office is asking for $260,171 for the 2018 fiscal year.

Public Defender Drew Powell was the first to address the commission, saying that he received a phone call from Commissioner Whitlock saying that their budget was over and that it would have to be cut by $51,000.
Powell explained that if their budget is cut, they would lose investigator Larry Cunningham, who they just hired last year. He defended Cunningham’s position.

“Mr. Cunningham only works in Stephens County, not in Habersham nor in Rabun,” said Powell. “What I’m asking for today is for you to fund our budget as it is, otherwise the only way we’re going to have to make this budget of $205,000 is if we lose a position. We just hired this man, he’s relied on our word that he had a job. He’s been working for us for ten months now, doing a fantastic job.”

According to Powell, the department needs Cunningham because the caseload counts for his attorneys are currently between 250-300 clients. Powell said that Cunningham visits the jail every day and helps reduce those numbers by investigating cases and providing information that can quickly close cases.

Other employees from the Public Defender’s Office spoke on Cunningham’s behalf, including Chief Assistant Public Defender Suzanne Boykin.

Boykin described the important role that Cunningham plays in their department.

“Mr. Cunningham has done an invaluable job of really working that jail,” said Boykin. “He’s also invaluable when it comes to trial prep. It’s hard to quantify what he gives back, but I promise you that he’s saving you a lot more than he’s costing you. The value that we’re getting from this position is immeasurable.”

Powell also asked for a two percent raise for his county contracted employees and a slight increase on supplies such as paper, ink, pens, etc.

The requested budgets will be looked at again by the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Finance Director Phyllis Ayers on Friday. Ayers said they hope to have a proposed budget by their first June meeting.