Lincoln County Public Defender Advisory Committee September 4, 2026

The Lincoln County Public Defender Advisory Committee met September 4, 2026, to advance recruitment for a new county public defender’s office. The committee discussed a draft job description, emphasizing that the first hire would establish and manage the office as well as handle cases. Members agreed to advertise the position at pay grade 118, with a posted range of $159,000–$171,000; a motion approving that range passed. The transcript does not clearly show a separate vote adopting the job description. Recruitment was expected to proceed after formal county approval, with applications reviewed and interviews arranged based on the size of the candidate pool.

Members also discussed office location and startup needs. They favored placing the office at the Justice Center, subject to further county-level direction and coordination, and noted that existing budget plans cover initial computers and technology; legal software, research resources, furnishings, and other operating needs were also discussed. The auditor is expected to develop a distinct budget for the office, including expert-witness and investigator expenses. No specific purchase, contract award, or construction expenditure was approved; the committee noted that it does not have spending authority and that additional staffing may require future budget review.