Commissioners Will Consider Increase in Funding for Juvenile Court

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DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Juvenile Court Judge Alison Toller is hoping the third time is a charm when she comes before the Dawson County Board of Commissioners at Thursday’s work session to request additional funding to pay for attorneys for indigent parents and children. Toller s asking to increase the amount paid to the child’s attorney by $10,000, the parent’s attorney buy $5,000 and the court reporter by $1,200.

This will be the third request for additional funds to pay for attorneys. The county has always paid attorneys for parents who could not afford to hire their own attorney. Indigent Defense uses the same screening process for parents in dependency cases and individuals charged with crimes. In January of 2014, a law established requiring all cases to have an appointed Guardian ad Litem and required the appointment of an attorney for every child.

Natalie Johnson will ask the board to approve payment of an invoice to Hall County to pay a portion of the salaries and benefits for both Judge Burton and Judge Toller to Hall County. Hall County invoices Dawson County each quarter based on payroll reports generated from their payroll system.

Commissioners will also consider a request for Dawson County to serve as the fiscal agent for Family Connection for FY 2017.

Purchasing Director Davida Simpson will present an updated county purchasing policy for the commissioner’s approval.

Senior Center Director Dawn Pruett will ask the Board to approve an amendment to the Legacy Link contract that will increase compensation to Dawson County in the amount of $3,917;, decreases the Dawson County Match for Non Federal Funds in the amount of $3,850 and  increase Dawson County Match for Local Funds in the amount of $566.

Planning Director Jason Streetman will present the 2016 Capital Improvement Element (CIE) update.

County Manager David Headley and individual members of the commission have been meeting to consider the possibility of taking on legal counsel internally, leading staff to consult with outside agencies that have provided a job description and salary ranges directly related to that function. Headley will appear before the Board to ask for a recommendation on how he should proceed.

Commissioners will also consider the appointment of Mike Ball to the Industrial Building Authority Board to replace Tom Alexander.

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