Hermiston Considers Budget Cuts to Boost Public Defense Services
City leaders in Hermiston are contemplating budget cuts to allocate more funds for public defenders.
During a recent meeting, city council members instructed staff to identify $250,000 in cuts to enhance spending on public defense services.
Alternatively, the city could transfer misdemeanor cases to the Umatilla County Prosecutor's Office, potentially resulting in fewer cases being pursued.
We recognize, though, that's going to create a challenge for the district attorney's office and circuit court, and we all operate in the same system in the same, you know, pool for potential public defenders.
Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan acknowledged the potential impact of those changes.
Author's summary: Hermiston considers budget cuts to boost public defense services amid defender shortage.
- Budget cuts of $250,000 are being considered.
- Transferring misdemeanor cases to the Umatilla County Prosecutor's Office is an alternative option.