Proposed increase for attorneys could cost Richland County $284,375 a year

A proposal to increase fees paid to court appointed defense attorneys could cost Richland County just under $285,000 additional dollars a year.

RichlandSource.com reports the proposal would raise the fee from $60 per hour to $75 for attorneys. The Richland County Bar Association said there has not been a raise in 16 years.The Richland County Commissioners budgeted $600,000 for court appointed attorneys in 2019 and the proposed increase would add an additional $284,375.