2011 Budget Book - WHOLE - Kitsap County Government

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Description of
Requirements:
Minimum Service
Level:
Program
Justification:
Workload Indicators:
Cost Recovery
Cost Avoidance
RCW 36.27.020 requires the Prosecuting Attorney to be legal advisor to all County elected
and appointed officials on all matters relating to their official business, draw up all official
instruments, represent the County in all civil actions and proceedings in which the County is a
party, prosecute civil action for the recovery of debts owed to the County, and present
violations of election laws. RCW 36.32.200 prohibits employment of outside attorneys except
with consent of the Prosecuting Attorney or presiding Superior Court judge.
Managing litigation and responding to legally imposed deadlines are non-discretionary and
highest priority. E.g., asset forfeitures, drug/alcohol/mental health commitment hearings,
bankruptcies, tort/damage claims and lawsuits, administrative proceedings (land use,
labor/employment, taxpayer, workers compensation), responding to subpoenas and records
requests. Non-discretionary, but lower priority services than litigation and legal deadlines
include day-to-day client advice, drafting/reviewing/negotiating legal instruments (ordinances,
resolutions, contracts, policies and procedures). Discretionary services are lowest priority
services: training county employees, drafting legislation, providing non-legal real estate
services, attending meetings/briefings, and presenting at speaking engagements.
Managing litigation and responding to legally imposed deadlines are non-discretionary and
highest priority. E.g., asset forfeitures, drug/alcohol/mental health commitment hearings,
bankruptcies, tort/damage claims and lawsuits, administrative proceedings (land use,
labor/employment, taxpayer, workers compensation), responding to subpoenas and records
requests. Non-discretionary, but lower priority services than litigation and legal deadlines
include day-to-day client advice, drafting/reviewing/negotiating legal instruments (ordinances,
resolutions, contracts, policies and procedures). Discretionary services are lowest priority
services: training county employees, drafting legislation, providing non-legal real estate
services, attending meetings/briefings, and presenting at speaking engagements.
2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Statistics
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Other
Programs
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Other Programs
The cost of legal services provided to non-general fund clients and to contracting clients are
recovered through legal services billings.
Indicate whether a reduction and/or avoidance of costs results from this program.
Funding
Consequences
Reduction of funds necessary to sustain non-discretionary services will serve to increase
costs, such as from legal judgments and awards, the number and amount of settlements, and
from delays in providing legal advice and representation needed by County officers.
Budget Totals
2011 Adopted 2010 Budget 2009 Actual 2008 Actual 2007 Actual
Revenues 64,683 47,634 26,089 7,426 4,873
Expenditures 156,461 151,847 142,585 130,897 130,751
Difference (91,778) (104,213) (116,496) (123,471) (125,878)
# of FTE 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30