A public hearing will be conducted beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, August 8, in the main auditorium of the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., to consider the potential opening of an adult felony public defender office in Douglas County.

The public comment period is now open for the purpose of receiving both written and oral public comments on a potential public defender office. Written comments will be accepted by email and may be submitted to Administrative Staff Attorney Brandon Barrett at bbarrett@sbids.org. Written comments are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 6, without exception.

Oral comments may be made at the public hearing on August 8, 2021. All interested parties will be given a reasonable opportunity to present their views orally on the potential public defender office during the hearing. However, because of the anticipated interest in this topic, oral public commenters will be limited to approximately 3 minutes per speaker at the event in order to accommodate as many speakers as time allows. Speakers wishing to sign up ahead of the public comment session may do so by emailing Director Heather Cessna at hcessna@sbids.org prior to 5 p.m., August 6. A speaker sign-up sheet will also be available at the event.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodation in order to participate in the public hearing. Requests for accommodation to participate in the hearing should be made at least three working days in advance of the hearing by contacting Brandon Barrett at bbarrett@sbids.org or calling 785-296-6631.

Please be aware that seating is limited and will be first come, first served.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, face masks are required for all attendees during the event due to the host facility policies.

A live stream of the event will be available for viewing. A link to the livestream will be posted prior to the event on the Board of Indigents’ Defense Services website at www.sbids.org.

If you have questions regarding this hearing, please contact Brandon Barrett at bbarrett@sbids.org or call 785-296-6631.