Garnett City Commissioners recently heard a report from Anderson County Attorney, Elizabeth Oliver, concerning staff shortages that are leading to overtime in her office. Oliver says an increasing number of cases, particularly driving under the influence of methamphetamine, was combining with the staff shortages to drive up the overtime costs in September. The issue seems to be the absence of a Clerical Clerk. Oliver says she is being very picky about that and hasn’t seen many qualified candidates come forward.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Case load in her office is running about 30% higher this year than last, at 120 cases. The increase is following a Statewide trend upward in similar crimes. Oliver says that means even more work and delays as opposed to typical DUI cases, where breathalyzer and blood tests can confirm the case. Methamphetamine cases involve drug recognition experts to develop evidence. Oliver was elected to the post in November 2020 and took office in January
