County attorney reports heavy caseload, commissioners approve VOCA grant application

County Attorney updated the County Commissioners on courtroom backlogs, staffing and budget metrics and asked for permission to apply for and accept a VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant to help fund victim‑witness advocates. The commissioners voted by voice to authorize application and acceptance of the award if granted.

The county attorney told commissioners the office has docketed 510 cases in superior court so far this year and is on track for roughly 741 cases by year’s end. "We are now really seeing the effects of the repeal of felonies first and cases trickling into the circuit court," the County Attorney said, adding that some defendants now have "3, 4 active cases at 1 particular time." He told the panel the courts canceled all jury trials in July and December to reduce their budgets, which requires the same annual trial workload to be completed in about 10 months.

The County Attorney said that as of his budget review the office is 63% of the way through the fiscal year in spending and is currently on pace to be under budget by "just over $26,000," but cautioned that upcoming trials and expert costs could reduce that surplus. He reported the office recently added a sixth attorney who began in August and will be brought up to speed on cases.

On victim services funding, the County Attorney requested permission to apply for the VOCA grant and to accept the award if offered. "I believe the maximum amount that we can apply for is $42,613," he said. A commissioner moved and a second was recorded; the motion was approved by voice vote with "Aye" recorded and the chair stating the motion carries.

The County Attorney described an especially busy autumn, noting 18 cases scheduled for jury selection between Sept. 22 and Oct. 31, with five having completed final pretrial steps and slated for Sept. 22. He said the office faces scheduling strain between superior and circuit courts and benefits from the proximity of Laconia Circuit Court for switching appearances, while appearances at Franklin Circuit Court are more difficult.

The County Attorney also praised a recent courthouse remodel that created a dedicated conference room for victim services and additional private offices for support staff. Commissioners acknowledged the report and asked follow-up questions about timing to address backlogs and budget stewardship.

The commissioners approved the motion to apply for and accept the VOCA grant by voice vote. No roll-call vote or individual vote counts were recorded in the transcript.

Less critical details from the meeting include continued coordination with the public defender's office, judges and prosecutors and an expectation that added trial dates — not cutting trial months — would be the appropriate response to the backlog.

County Attorney comment and the grant authorization occurred during the department update portion of the meeting; action on the VOCA grant was a formal authorization by the commissioners.