District Attorney staffing request
Summary
District Attorney Dan Dow asked the Board to fund five positions (~$858K) and warned the recommended budget 'unlawfully impairs' his constitutionally mandated duties. The chair pressed him on whether he was threatening to sue; hearings on the issue come June 8.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $857,839 for five positions — roughly one-tenth of 1% of the county budget.
If funded, prosecution capacity for crime victims and residents countywide; opioid funds may cover some of it.
Dow says underfunding harms crime victims and public safety; the CEO says his general fund support actually rises 5%.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Supervisors - Budget Hearing - Jun 8, 2026
DA Dan Dow asked for five positions ($878,719) to handle surging caseloads, Prop 36 prosecutions, and elder abuse — but the board rejected it 5-0, pointing to the budget process and competing public safety needs like the Nipomo Sheriff substation. Supervisors want a strategic planning conversation on public safety funding instead.
Board of Supervisors - May 19, 2026
District Attorney Dan Dow asked the Board to fund five positions (~$858K) and warned the recommended budget 'unlawfully impairs' his constitutionally mandated duties. The chair pressed him on whether he was threatening to sue; hearings on the issue come June 8.
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