(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a proposal from Attorney Steven J. Mercure, of Tecumseh, to serve as Richardson County Public Defender for a four- year period when they met Tuesday.

At the recommendation of the Richardson County Policy Board, Commissioners approved a contract calling for a 2020 salary of $68-thousand with annual increases of $1,000 each year of the contract.  

Clerk of the District Court Pam Scott had notified the Board by letter that Richardson County was among the top three counties in the district for court cases filed during fiscal year 2019.  Of the 2,076 cases filed in the district,  294 or 14.2 percent, were filed in Richardson County.  

In addition to Richardson County, the district consists of Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Saline and  Thayer counties.

Following a review with County Attorney Doug Merz, the  agreement between Richardson, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe and Pawnee counties and the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation for the Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court, Commissioners approved the interlocal agreement.