Title
Joint resolution authorizing two new Principal Public Defenders to staff a newly consolidated Domestic Violence courtroom, at an estimated cost of approximately $135,000 for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026.
Staff Summary
• The Courts have indicated they will be consolidating all felony Domestic Violence cases into a singular Courtroom in May of 2026. This consolidation is intended to develop specialized expertise in these cases and enhance coordination.
• It is not possible for the Public Defender’s Office to adequately staff this new courtroom without additional staffing. Therefore, the Public Defender’s Office is requesting two additional Principal Public Defenders, Grade Salary 16, to focus their efforts on the cases within the new Domestic Violence courtroom.
• Existing space, computers and phone equipment are already available to accommodate the new positions.
• Due to the timing of this courtroom consolidation, these positions were not included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. At this time, no additional funding is necessary because the Public Defender has agreed to stagger the two positions according to caseload capacity. However, depending on the other vacancies in the department, it may be necessary to augment the Public Defender budget with the budgeted salary contingency closer to the end of the fiscal year.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Courts have indicated they will be consolidating all felony Domestic Violence cases into a singular Courtroom in May of 2026; and
WHEREAS, this consolidation will streamline case management and promote consistency, but it creates staffing challenges for the Public Defender’s Office; and
WHEREAS, to prepare for this change, the Public Defender’s Office is requesting two additional Principal Public Defenders, Grade Salary 16, to focus their efforts on the cases within a new consolidated Domestic Violence courtroom; and
WHEREAS, existing space, computers and phone equipment are already available to accommodate the new positions; and
WHEREAS, no additional funding is necessary at this time but may become necessary closer to the end of the fiscal year, to be funded from the budgeted salary contingency.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, the Public Defender’s Office is authorized an increase authorized headcount by two Principal Public Defenders to staff newly consolidated Domestic Violence cases.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on February 10, 2026.