Council approves VOCA appropriation and KICODE budget; members note potential VOCA cut

The council approved two nonprofit and victim-services funding items during the Jan. 8 meeting.

Prosecuting Attorney Brad Volz asked the council to appropriate funds and approve an ordinance for the annual VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant, which the county uses as the principal funding source for the victim assistance program. The council moved and approved the appropriation. Volz told the council the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute has warned of a possible 40% reduction in VOCA funding for the next year; council and staff said they will monitor the forecast and consider mitigation steps if necessary.

Brad Volz and KICODE representatives (including Joe Hahn and Heidi Blake) also returned with a detailed letter and budget after questions at a prior meeting. The council raised an earlier question about $12,000 listed for meals; KICODE's submitted materials clarified the actual meals expense was closer to $6,000, and the council approved the 2026 appropriation after the presenters answered questions. The council thanked the presenters for the clarifying letter and approved the budget appropriation.