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DA proposes additional victim‑witness position funded by 5% victim-assistance fund; commissioners approve
Summary
Newton County District Attorney Randy McGinley requested authorization to hire an additional victim‑witness assistant, to be paid from the local 5% crime‑victim fund (LVAP) that collects a statutory 5% fee on fines; commissioners approved and no general-fund dollars were required.
The Newton County Board of Commissioners on April 1 approved the District Attorney’s request to add a victim‑witness assistant position funded entirely from the Local Victim Assistance Program (LVAP) fund, commonly called the “5% fund.”
District Attorney Randy McGinley explained that Georgia law and the victim‑rights framework require the office to provide statutory services to victims. McGinley said the DA’s office currently logs thousands of victim contacts and that the additional position is needed to meet statutory duties, keep up with caseload volume and support multiple high‑profile court matters currently underway.
McGinley told commissioners the LVAP fund —generated by a 5% fee collected on certain fines and court fees—has recovered since COVID and that current receipts and fund balance are sufficient to cover a new staff position’s salary and employer costs without drawing on the county general fund. Finance staff (Britney) confirmed fund sufficiency and the DA explained that the position would be in the FY25 payroll period and included in next year’s budget request.
Commissioners voted to authorize the DA to fill the position, with the county finance office to use LVAP funds under the statutory program rules to cover salary and benefits. McGinley said the position will support victims across multiple courtrooms and that the office will continue to use LVAP funding consistent with OCGA 15‑21‑132(a) for victim‑assistance activities.
