During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the need for increased funding and diversity within the county's legal departments. A key point raised was the proposal to convert nine attorney positions from grade 4 to grade 3, which would require an additional $78,000 in the budget. This request was driven by concerns over fair compensation for attorneys, particularly those who have invested significant time in their education and careers.

The conversation highlighted the ongoing challenges faced in negotiations with the county regarding salary adjustments. Officials acknowledged the importance of adequately compensating legal staff to retain talent and ensure effective service delivery. One member emphasized the necessity of addressing these financial concerns, stating, \"We need to find your department... that can show us why they need it.\"

In addition to salary discussions, the meeting also addressed the lack of diversity within the county's legal positions. Current statistics revealed a significant underrepresentation of African Americans in policy-making roles, with only one African American supervisor noted among the legal staff. This prompted urgent calls for action to improve diversity, with one official stating, \"We gotta fix that.\"

The meeting concluded with a commitment from board members to further investigate budget allocations and ensure that departments receive the necessary funding to support their staffing needs. The discussions underscored a broader commitment to fostering an equitable and effective legal workforce within the county.