Commissioners discuss shortfall in prosecutor non-personnel funds; plan incremental budget amendments

Commissioners discussed an immediate funding gap in the Portage County prosecutor’s office non-personnel lines for fiscal 2026 during the June 18 meeting.

Staff reported the prosecutor’s office has largely spent its non-personnel budget lines and will face upcoming costs for victim notification supplies and expert witness fees. Jackie, speaking for administration staff, said the amounts for expert witnesses are not yet known and that staff recommended addressing invoices individually: obtain quotes, process a budget amendment, move money, and allow the prosecutor’s office to pay bills as they arise.

Commissioners and staff examined whether funds could be advanced from commissioner discretionary accounts or whether transfers from VOCA/VAWA allocations could cover immediate needs. Staff estimated the prosecutor’s VOCA and VAWA needs were about $15,000 short of what had been budgeted and suggested incremental transfers or targeted advances to cover urgent invoices. Commissioners approved the approach of processing expenses one invoice at a time and asked staff to track spending closely and work with prosecutor’s staff on future budget amendments as quotes become available.

No formal transfer was enacted during the meeting; staff said they would prepare amendments and supporting documentation once specific amounts and invoices are known.