Atascosa Commissioners OK resolution allowing judge to pursue mental health court grant

The Atascosa County Commissioners Court on a 3-0 vote approved a resolution authorizing a grant application to create a mental health court in the 80th Judicial District and designated District Judge Jennifer Dillingham as the authorized official to pursue the grant. County Attorney Molly Solis presented the item at the request of Judge Dillingham.

Judge Jennifer Dillingham asked the court to approve a resolution that would allow her to submit a grant application to the office of the governor to obtain funding for the mental health court. County staff said the resolution only authorizes the application and does not finalize any funding or commitment by the county.

County Attorney Molly Solis and Judge Dillingham told the court there is no county cost at this point. "At this point, no," a county representative said when asked whether there would be a county cost; they added that if costs arose the matter would be brought back to the court for approval.

Commissioner Bowen moved to approve the designation and application; Commissioner Pavelic seconded. The motion carried with three votes in favor. The court did not specify a timeline for the application or any potential grant amount; the resolution was described as the step that permits staff and the judge to proceed with the application process.

The action authorizes Judge Dillingham to pursue grant funding; any future acceptance of funds or program commitments will return to the commissioners for action.

Details on the grant program, application deadlines, or the structure of the proposed mental health court were not specified in the court record.