Commissioners approve $400,000 CJCC grant application to fund mental‑health and substance‑abuse program

Dougherty County commissioners on Feb. 17 approved a recommendation to apply for a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and Council of Accountability Courts operating grant for fiscal year 2026 in the amount of $400,000 with a required 15% local match. The match will be met through existing departmental funds, officials said.

County Administrator Barry Brooks and substance‑abuse coordinator Patricia Griffin attended to present the grant purpose: to support the Dougherty County Superior Court’s mental‑health and substance‑abuse treatment program. Staff said the grant is a reimbursement grant from the CJCC and that the county has historically used existing funds to meet the match requirement.

Commissioner Johnson made the motion to apply and the board approved by unanimous consent. Staff will submit the grant application and return with any award documentation and next steps.