In a recent government meeting focused on public safety, officials discussed the current status and funding of the county's OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) and drug courts. The OWI court is currently operating at full funding capacity but is only serving two participants, raising concerns about the effective use of resources. In contrast, the drug court is fully populated with 25 participants, highlighting a significant disparity in service levels.

Officials noted that the district attorney's office is not involved in the OWI court, which has led to calls for increased oversight and a reevaluation of the program's structure. The conversation also touched on legislative changes that have impacted the OWI court, particularly the automatic jail time mandated after a fourth OWI offense, which limits the number of individuals eligible for the program.

Funding for the OWI court has not been grant-supported for some time, and there are concerns about how funds are being allocated between the OWI and drug courts. The drug court currently receives approximately $150,000 in grant funding, which is partially matched by OWI court funds. This intermingling of resources has raised questions about the sustainability of both programs.

Judges and administrators emphasized the importance of treatment courts in addressing substance use disorders, noting that both OWI and drug courts operate under similar national standards. They expressed a desire to expand the programs, potentially creating separate courts for male and female participants to better address the unique needs of each group.

The meeting also highlighted frustrations regarding the lack of timely information provided to the public safety committee about the courts' operations. Officials acknowledged that there had been delays in receiving updates, which contributed to the current scrutiny of the OWI court's effectiveness.

Overall, the discussions underscored the need for a strategic reassessment of the OWI court's viability and the potential for restructuring to better serve the community's needs while ensuring that funding is utilized effectively.