NAHUNTA — District Attorney Marilyn Bennett addressed Brantley County commissioners with an update concerning the budget at Thursday night’s meeting.
Bennett presented a budget request before the commissioners explaining the need for additional personnel and funding for software for digital evidence.
She also explained the current status of pending cases and flow of court cases, backlog of cases, pending crime lab testings and high loads of her prosecutors, averaging 500-600 per attorney.
Certain personnel Bennett requested for the new budget consisted of an investigator who is post-certified and being paid using a pay scale comparable to that of the State.
Bennett
Other personnel requests included a Digital Media/IT Specialist with the funding pulled for Axon and the fund of a slightly higher rate for the qualified candidate. Employee retention is also vital to personnel as well.
The Axon Justice Software for Year 2 is $46,487.74. The total increase in budget shared between the counties of Brantley, Bacon, Ware, Pierce and Charlton is $189,250. Brantley County’s pro rata portion is $133,167.
The District Attorney expressed her enthusiasm on working with the commissioners and doing what she can to maintain integrity as it relates to how the budget is handled.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as District Attorney,” Bennett said. “We will operate our office under the budget as approved and continue to serve the citizens of Brantley County through prosecution of cases.”
