Judge Rob Young asks commissioners to allow pursuit of recovery‑court grants; board approves application permission

Judge Rob Young outlined the goals of a proposed Alexander County Recovery Court and asked the board to permit program staff to pursue external grant funding. Young said the recovery court would operate in the dispositional phase—after adjudication—and use legal leverage, clinically recommended practices (All Rise standards) and community partners to reduce criminal behavior and associated county costs.

“We're not asking for money. We're asking to help save this county money,” Young said, describing the program’s intent to reduce repeat calls for law enforcement and other downstream costs while connecting participants to treatment and employment services.

Julie Walker, identified in the meeting materials as a treatment‑team partner, described how grants are typically structured, saying federal grant awards for recovery programs can range from about $750,000 for three‑year awards to about $1,000,000 for four‑ to five‑year awards. She said many grants require a local match (commonly around 15%) but noted strategies—such as using provider billable Medicaid or in‑kind resources—can reduce direct county cash obligations.

Commissioners asked procedural questions and clarified that any awarded grants and associated matches would return to the board for formal approval. A motion to permit the Recovery Court team to pursue applications was made and seconded; the board approved the motion by voice/hand vote.

What it would do: The proposed recovery court would provide court‑supervised, evidence‑based treatment and wraparound services to participants after conviction, aiming to reduce recidivism and county expenditures related to drug‑related crime.

Next step: Staff said they will invite the county manager to monthly planning meetings and will return to the board for approvals if a grant is awarded or matches are required.