Commissioners punt adding juvenile‑court advocate to VOCA application pending match‑fund guidance

County staff updated the board on a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant application that would include an additional juvenile‑court victim advocate. Staff warned that state VOCA funding has remained flat while local need has increased and that adding the position would require additional local support estimated at about $60,000 next year.

Commissioners asked whether committing to an added local match or altering the grant commitment mid‑year could harm Portage County’s future competitiveness for VOCA funds. One commissioner said they did not want to promise funding the position if the county could not find the local match mid‑year. Staff said they would consult with grant administrators (Cassie/Cassie’s office referenced) and report back.

After discussion, the board agreed to table the resolution until staff returns with guidance on whether including the additional advocate would adversely affect the county’s current or future awards. A commissioner suggested submitting the grant with the current seven positions and considering adding the eighth position later using local funds if feasible.

What's next: Staff will ask the state grant administrators whether adding a position without a guaranteed local match would adversely affect this or future VOCA awards; the resolution was tabled pending that guidance.