Mayor Stimpson proposes $1.5 million contribution to Mobile DA’s office
Feb 27th, 2023
Posted in: Press Release
- February 27, 2023 -
For Immediate Release:
Mayor Stimpson proposes $1.5 million contribution to Mobile DA’s office
Mobile, Ala. — Mayor Sandy Stimpson is looking to provide financial support to the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office that will help address a lingering backlog of local criminal cases.
Tuesday morning, February 28, the Mobile City Council will consider a resolution that would authorize a three-year intergovernmental agreement between the City of Mobile and Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood’s office. Under the terms of the agreement, $500,000 from the City’s budget surplus would be contributed to the DA’s office over three years, totaling $1.5 million. The funds would be used to support ??criminal investigations, crime prevention, and the prosecution of criminal cases.
“Ever since our judicial system was severely slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, local prosecutors have been working diligently to address a backlog of thousands of local criminal cases,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “As the newly elected District Attorney, Keith Blackwood has already proven to be a dedicated partner in our mission to make Mobile a safer place to live, work and raise a family. We are thankful we’re in a position to support and expand upon the great work his staff is already doing.”
If approved by the City Council, an agreement to provide direct funding to the DA’s office would be one of the many ways the City of Mobile has used unconventional means to improve criminal justice and public safety under Stimpson’s leadership. Since taking office in 2013, the Stimpson administration has spearheaded several efforts to make critical changes in state law. Previously, the City of Mobile also partnered with the Mobile County Commission to provide direct financial support to local courts and has invested in new virtual courtroom technology to help streamline criminal proceedings.
“We are thankful the City of Mobile recognizes the urgent need for more funding as we continue to combat crime and seek justice throughout Mobile County,” Blackwood said. “With this funding, the Mobile County DA’s office will be able to bring on the additional resources needed to balance the increased caseload, allowing us to serve the citizens of Mobile County at a higher capacity”
The language in the intergovernmental agreement makes it clear that this agreement between the City of Mobile and the DA’s office is only temporary. Moving forward, Mayor Stimpson will continue to work with legislators and prosecutors to find a more long-term funding solution for the local judicial system.
The Mobile City Council will consider the proposed intergovernmental agreement for the first time on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Per the council’s own rules, a vote on the resolution authorizing the agreement will likely be held over until Tuesday, March 7, to allow time for additional research and public input.