County authorizes $814,065 Bureau of Justice Assistance grant application to support community corrections positions

Rockingham County commissioners voted on March 26 to authorize the county finance office to apply for a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) public safety and mental health initiative grant for up to $814,065, with a required county match of $345,191.

County staff explained the grant would fund three positions for community corrections over three years and that the county match is expected to come from personnel and fringe accounts. "This would be a huge savings if we can get the grant and would help transition community projects," a finance official said in presenting the motion.

Staff noted that the grant is complementary to other funding efforts, including a separate RSAC grant application that could cover some positions in the first year; if both grants are successful, staff said they would file a revised budget to reflect overlapping coverage. Commissioners approved the authorization by voice vote.

The board asked staff to confirm match-source details and eligibility for simultaneous grants before final award acceptance. The finance department will proceed with the application and return with any required budget revisions if the award is received.