The Weld County Board of Commissioners on July 23 authorized county staff to apply for 2026 victim assistance grants covering the district attorney's victim-witness unit and the sheriff's victim services program and authorized the chair to sign related documents. The board voted to approve two separate resolutions, one for the district attorney's application and a second for the sheriff's office.

The grant applications were presented by Rob Miller of the district attorney's office and a representative from the sheriff's office. Miller described the DA's victim-witness unit as the office that "walk[s] them through the system" and helps victims and family members "on the worst days of their lives." He said the Vail fund (as referenced in the meeting) helps pay for positions in the unit and that the grant amount available this year is reduced; staff nonetheless recommended seeking the full award amount. A county grant writer told the board, "As a grant writer, it's best to ask for the full amount and have the board cut you than to anticipate a cut and not get more than they would have given."

Commissioner Scott James moved approval of the DA grant application; Commissioner Kevin Ross seconded. The board voted unanimously by voice to approve the resolution. Commissioner Jason Maxey moved approval of the sheriff's office application; Commissioner Scott James seconded, and the board again approved the resolution by voice vote. The sheriff's office presentation noted the grant would cover part of recent applicant staff costs.

Why it matters: the grants fund victim services that County officials said support people through criminal proceedings and help maintain staffing for those programs. County staff said available program funding is smaller this cycle, which informed their decision to request the full eligible award rather than a reduced amount.

What was not specified: the exact award amounts requested and the final award amounts were not stated during the meeting.

Speakers quoted or identified in this article include Rob Miller of the district attorney's office and the board members who made the motions.