Merrimack County approves Department of Justice Victims of Crime grant for Advocacy Center

The Merrimack County Board of Commissioners on April 13 voted 3–0 to approve a Department of Justice Victims of Crime grant that will provide funding for the county’s Advocacy Center.

Development Coordinator Kara Coffey presented the grant to the board, saying the award is intended to support education, supplies and personnel at the Advocacy Center and that the Department of Justice has approved the grant. The Board was asked to sign a Certificate of Authority to accept the funds and comply with reporting requirements.

Commissioner Stephen Shurtleff moved to approve the grant and Commissioner Lovlien seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Coffey told the Board that the certificate and quarterly performance reporting are required by the grant terms.

The grant acceptance does not itself change county policy; it establishes an authorized funding stream and reporting obligations. The Board took no amendment or additional direction at the meeting.

Next steps: county staff will finalize the Certificate of Authority paperwork and fulfill the grant’s quarterly reporting schedule.