MERCER COUNTY — Mercer County Commissioners approved a plan to switch out a part-timer with a full-time assistant district attorney, a shift meant to meet the demands of the court schedule.
The new spot will be funded for the next two years by about $25,000 in seized drug money, said county District Attorney Robert G. Kochems.
Commissioners, who are doing their own re-arranging of county employees, applauded the courts for finding a way to fund the position during tight fiscal years.
Kochems said when the $25,000 runs out in two years, they will have to look for new ways to fund the position. He added, though, that the economy could be in a better place.
He said the District Attorney’s Office is looking for more full-time employees in part because of their aging prosecutors. As they retire, new prosecutors have to be trained, and that can sometimes take time.
Full-time staff for the office includes Kochems, five assistant district attorneys, a juvenile district attorney, and a management position. They have three part-time assistant district attorneys.
