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Adopt a resolution approving the appointment of a retired annuitant Mental Health Clinician - Licensed (Limited-Term Project) to perform the services funded under the two-year Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) Expanded Public Defense Services (Holistic Defense) Grant through May 15, 2028
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Published Notice Required? Yes No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION
The Public Defender recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve a resolution appointing a retired annuitant Mental Health Clinician - Licensed (Limited-Term Project) to perform the services funded under the two-year Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) Expanded Public Defense Services (Holistic Defense) Grant through May 15, 2028
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The State created the Expanded Public Defense Grant Program to encourage holistic defense in public defender offices. Solano County was awarded $440,601 from OSPD for the project “Expanding Mitigation Services to Solano County Public & Alternate Defender Clients.” The grant period began February 1, 2026. Services are to be provided through May 15, 2028, and all grant funds expire on June 1, 2028.
On October 7, 2025, the Board approved submission of the grant application, and on January 13, 2026, the Board approval acceptance of the funds and issued a resolution amending the list of Numbers and Classifications of Positions to add 1.0 FTE Mental Health Clinician (Licensed) (Limited-Term Project) for February 1, 2026, to May 15, 2028.
The Public Defender received funding for a Limited Term - Project Mental Health Clinician (Licensed) to conduct psychosocial assessments, individualized treatment plans, and sentencing recommendations for clients. Despite three recruitments for the role, no suitable candidates were hired.
The Public Defender is requesting approval to hire a retired annuitant, Kathleen O’Meara, Ph.D. as a Mental Health Clinician (Licensed).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost for this position is entirely offset by available from funding from the OSPD Grant and would have no financial impact on the County General Fund.
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2025/26 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to adopt the resolution; however, this is not recommended as it would result in additional delay in attempting to fill the grant-funded position, which would challenge the department’s ability to successfully fulfil the grant requirements.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrator’s Office, County Counsel and Human Resources have reviewed this submittal.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION