MAYVILLE – Much of last night’s three-and-a-half hour Chautauqua County Legislature meeting was devoted to the discussion regarding Chautauqua Lake, but other business took place as well. Among the highlights was the passage of an amended resolution that would continue the Chautauqua County Pilot Program within Jamestown City Court to assist indigent defendants at arraignment.
The initial resolution called for extending the program for another year at a local cost of $21,000 to be given to the District Attorney’s office so a representative could appear during a defendant’s arraignment proceeding. County Public Defender Ned Barone was also on hand to speak in favor of continuing the program, saying it is very helpful for defendants to have proper representation during initial arraignment proceedings, and this program helps to make that happen.
Several lawmakers – led by William Coughlin (D-Fredonia) – expressed concern over the program, questing if it was saving the county any money and also if the D-A’s office should even receive the money, since attending an arraignment proceeding could be considered part of the office’s responsibilities and covered in its regular annual budget allocation.
Because there was no immediate account available as to whether the program was saving the county money, lawmakers opted to amend the resolution so that funding would only be extended for an additional 30 days, up through the end of July. Between now and then, the DA’s office and the Sheriff’s Office would provide information so that lawmakers can find out if there is in fact a savings to the county taking place through the program. The amended resolution was approved by a vote of 20 to 4.
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