JBC refuses to annualize probation hires tied to Aurora domestic-violence shift

The Joint Budget Committee voted not to annualize additional probation positions that had been added in the prior year and that were linked to an Aurora municipal court change.

Miss Bickel explained that the prior-year action added 8.8 FTE statewide through the probation model even though the original decision had been tied to Aurora domestic-violence caseloads. "They ended up using those, putting them through their probation model, and therefore they did put staff in some other districts as well," she said.

Some committee members reacted strongly, arguing the department had received staff based on a specific rationale (Aurora) and then redistributed positions without transparent notice. Senator Cook called the practice "disingenuous" and urged tighter oversight.

Vice Chair Bridges moved a staff-initiated motion for no annualization in FY2526 for R3 (probation officers); the motion passed 5-0 with Brown excused.

What happens next: Staff will ask the department to return with a midyear report on hiring timing and district placements and may pursue options for tying appropriations more tightly to district-level uses.