In a recent government meeting, officials discussed pressing issues surrounding the budget and staffing of the district attorney's office, highlighting significant challenges in retaining personnel amid overwhelming caseloads. The district attorney's office is advocating for an increase in funding to support the hiring of additional attorneys and to address retention problems exacerbated by burnout and low pay.

The district attorney emphasized the need for technology that facilitates the prompt resolution of cases and the necessity of increasing personnel to manage the high volume of work. Despite a recent pay increase following a collective bargaining agreement, retention remains a critical issue, with many attorneys leaving due to the stress associated with handling complex cases, including child abuse and violent crimes.

A proposal was submitted to convert nine existing attorney positions to higher grades to better reflect the demands of their roles, but the office has yet to receive a response. The district attorney also requested four additional attorney positions to alleviate the burden on current staff, estimating that these changes would require an additional $310,865 in the budget.

The discussion revealed that the office currently has nine attorney vacancies, with efforts underway to fill four of those positions soon. However, the remaining five vacancies continue to hinder the office's ability to meet its constitutional obligations, particularly in ensuring timely trials and adequate case reviews.

Council members acknowledged the importance of the district attorney's work in protecting both victims and the accused, while also expressing concerns about the financial implications of a proposed tax increase to support these needs. The district attorney reiterated the necessity of adequate funding to fulfill legal requirements and maintain public safety, emphasizing that without sufficient resources, the office risks failing to meet its obligations under the law.

As the budget discussions continue, the district attorney's office remains focused on securing the necessary support to address staffing shortages and ensure the effective administration of justice in Allegheny County.