State supervision agency seeks $726,194 for rising rents, eyes office consolidations

The Department of Community Supervision asked the Senate budget panel for $726,194 to cover projected rent increases in three circuits, citing market surveys from the State Properties Commission and lease expirations that coincide with rising local rents. "This request is to address projected rent increases in 3 of our around 15 offices," Scott Mauer, chief of staff for the department, told the committee.

Mauer said some leases were negotiated during the COVID period and now face sharp market escalation: "we're estimating the rent increases in those locations is going to be more like 100 to 500% increases in what we're currently paying." He said one Statesboro landlord has not agreed to repairs for mold and other issues, and the Department is assessing alternatives.

The agency described plans to consolidate offices where feasible to reduce costs and preserve services. Mauer said DCS has closed 55 offices overall and 40 since FY20, saving about $1.2 million, but acknowledged opportunities for further consolidation are limited. Committee members pressed on timelines; Mauer said lease renegotiations are pending and possible consolidation examples include Clarksville and Toccoa circuits where road projects or landlords prevent renewal.

Lawmakers also asked whether grant-funded program work would be affected. Mauer said day reporting centers (non-residential treatment programs addressing substance use and mental health) that operate in affected circuits are "100% grant funded" for staffing and that the department is working with State Properties to identify suitable consolidated spaces that do not disrupt participants' transportation or treatment access.

The committee did not take a vote; members asked for follow-up details on specific leases and projected savings before final recommendations.