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represented by the Public Defender of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit because of conflict of interest or excessive caseloadof the Public Defender. Proposals were to be made in two categories: 1) non -capital felonies and 2) misdemeanors and juveniles. The closing date for submittals was December 2, 1996. Two proposals were received for each category. The proposals were made by James T. Long, P.A. and Gerald T. Roden. Pursuant to the RFP these proposals were reviewed by a committee comprised of acting Chief Judge Kanarek, John Unruh representing the Public Defender, James Chandler and myself. Mr. Long's proposal was for $600 for felony cases and $300 for misdemeanor and juvenile cases. This is the same as the current contract and the same cost since January 1993. Mr. Roden's proposal was for $580 for felony cases and $280 for misdemeanor and juvenile. On average, Mr. Roden's proposal would be about $6,000 less a year than the Long proposal. Mr. Long's proposal also included as participating attorneys Kay Hammond, Bruce Smith, Richard Saliba and Wayne McDonough. Mr. Roden's proposal included Stephen Fromang as the participating attorney. The Committee reviewed the criminal experience of each group and concluded that Mr. Long's group had extensive criminal experience and had generally done a good job during the previous contract period. Mr. Roden's experience is very limited in criminal law and he has no recent experience (last two years) in criminal law. Judge Kanarek and Mr. Unruh felt that experience was a very important factor not only from a legal standpoint but from a financial one as well. It was pointed out that when an issue of in -effective counsel is raised it can become a very expensive proceeding to the County. It was the consensus of the Committee that the experience of Mr. Long's group far outweighed the difference in case cost. Accordingly, the Committee recommends that Mr. Long's proposal for both categories be accepted by the Board of County Commissioners and Mr. Long be awarded the contract for the year 1997 and authorize the Chairman to execute the attached agreement. A copy of each proposal is attached for your information. TPO/sw cc: Chief Judge Paul B. Kanarek John Unruh, Assistant Public Defender James Chandler, County Administrator Charles P. Vitunac, County Attorney ON MOTION by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED by Commissioner Macht, the Board unanimously accepted the proposals by James T. Long and authorized the Chairman to execute the contract agreement. AGREEMENT IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD 19 JANUARY 28, 1997 eou� F,,;;