Recovery Court approves budget amendment to buy portable classroom for detention reentry program

Michelle Ricks, director of Recovery Court, told the committee Tuesday the program serves 180 participants and asked the Public Safety Committee to approve a budget amendment reallocating funds within an existing Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) evidence-based jail programming grant. Ricks said the amendment moves $45,000 from an architect's line item to a building-construction line to purchase a modular classroom for the adult detention center. She said the grant has been extended through 2027 and the county previously budgeted construction funds for a permanent building but will instead buy a portable unit. Lindsay Davis, reentry coordinator, attended and was identified as responsible for the subsequent budget paperwork. Committee members asked for clarification on why the shift was needed; Ricks said moving to a portable unit avoids additional architectural fees and allows faster installation. The committee approved the amendment by roll call. Commissioners recorded their votes and the motion carried.