Laserfiche WebLink
Mr. Schwarz explained the reason for the salaried basis <br />instead of contract is that would entitle them to maintain health <br />insurance and other benefits. Under the original contracts, they <br />were in filled position of the state, but were on leave without <br />pay and they were able to pay in and maintain their health <br />insurance under that program. Under Alternative #4, they would <br />be county employees under the County Attorney's office assigned <br />to his office to handle misdemeanors. <br />Attorney Vitunac expressed his preference to go with <br />Alternative 4 with a 30 day out clause in case we were able to <br />contract with somebody cheaper. <br />Mr. Schwarz agreed that the County can fire whoever they <br />hire. Speaking as president of the Florida Public Defenders <br />Association, he continued to emphasize that this problem is <br />statewide. According to their formula, the Public Defenders are <br />23 million dollars short statewide and 700 positions short. The <br />prosecutors have the same situation. There are cases going <br />through the courts that are thrown out or lost because of the <br />overload the prosecutors have. Mr. Schwarz noted that in Dade <br />County they will not even file charges on anything short of a <br />second degree felony unless you really push. He felt the <br />criminal system in Florida has gone to pot, and the legislature <br />is just not establishing criminal justice as a priority. South <br />Florida is growing at a terrific pace and has an overwhelming <br />problem. Mr. Schwarz emphasized that he will continue every <br />effort to get the courts to assess liens against their clients in <br />appropriate cases. Some funds have been generated this way, and <br />it can be made a condition of probation. <br />Commissioner Bird suggested that it might be some help if we <br />correspond with the State Association of County Commissioners and <br />recommend that the criminal justice system in Florida be made a <br />major topic of discussion at their next mid -year conference. <br />Mr. Schwarz believed that both the State's Attorneys and the <br />63 <br />JUN 18 1986 BOOK 64 Fmui,- 75 7 <br />