In a recent government meeting, county commissioners discussed critical staffing and salary adjustments within the prosecutor's office, emphasizing the urgent need to attract qualified legal professionals amid ongoing vacancies. The conversation centered around a proposed resolution to increase starting salaries for new attorneys, specifically to step 6 on the pay scale, which would raise entry-level salaries from $59,000 to approximately $73,000.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the county's ability to compete with neighboring jurisdictions for legal talent, noting that many counties have already implemented higher starting salaries. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced in hiring, with a significant drop in applications—down 80% over the past four years—and a high percentage of unqualified candidates among those who do apply.

The meeting also addressed the potential financial implications of these salary increases. It was noted that while there is sufficient budget to cover the proposed raises this year, future budgets may require adjustments, potentially leading to cuts in staff if funding remains flat. Specifically, it was estimated that the prosecutor's office might need to reduce its workforce by 8 to 10 positions to accommodate the increased wages.

Commissioners acknowledged the importance of retaining experienced attorneys and ensuring that new hires do not surpass the salaries of existing staff, which could lead to morale issues. The need for a fair and equitable salary structure was emphasized, with discussions about possibly implementing a hiring bonus to attract new talent without disadvantaging current employees.

The board agreed to revisit the salary structure and hiring strategies by the end of November, allowing for adjustments before finalizing the 2025 budget. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the county can effectively fill its legal positions and maintain public safety standards, which were underscored as a top priority during the meeting.