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Elko County approves program manager for Great Basin Child Advocacy Center, seeks clearer funding plan
Summary
The commission approved a new program manager position for the Great Basin Child Advocacy Center. County and DA office leaders described a two‑year funding plan that mixes grant modifications, salary savings and donated funds; staff will return with formal funding and grant‑management details.
The Elko County Commission approved creating a program manager position for the Great Basin Child Advocacy Center (CAC), a facility that conducts forensic interviews and coordinates services for children who are victims of abuse.
Carolyn Smith, district attorney’s office manager, told commissioners the CAC’s operations rely heavily on grants and that two years of funding for the new position is available through a combination of grant modification ($103,738.35 over three years was cited in discussion), salary savings from unfilled county positions and donated funds from partner counties. Smith said the county must maintain proper grant-management controls to avoid audit findings and stressed the need for a staff member who can pursue and monitor grant awards.
“We would like to still fill this position,” Smith said. She asked the commission for clarity on the funding structure after the budget committee recommended approving the position. Amanda (county staff) and other county leaders said the District Attorney’s office had funding for two years to cover the position and that staff would work on longer‑term solutions and possible countywide grant‑management roles.
Commissioners approved the position with a motion and second; the vote carried by voice vote. The commission directed the district attorney’s office and county administration to provide a clear funding plan and to seek grant modifications as appropriate. Staff also noted the risks of leaving grant administration unmonitored and agreed the new position should strengthen controls and reduce risk of audit exceptions.
Why it matters: The CAC provides forensic interviewing and coordinated services for child victims; its operations depend largely on external grant funding. Adding a program manager is intended to preserve and grow grant revenue and improve oversight, but commissioners asked for a clearer long‑term funding approach so county liability and program continuity are assured.
Next steps: The district attorney’s office and county staff will submit grant modification paperwork, a staffing plan and quarterly updates on funding to the commission. If grant awards change, staff committed to returning to the commission with revised funding proposals.
