Court services staff told the Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 18 that state funding cuts have sharply reduced the money available for truancy, and staff reported an uptick in juvenile arrests involving firearms.

Forrest, court services staff, told commissioners that state funding routed through the Administrative Office of the Courts fell from about $67,000 to $27,000 — a reduction he described as “about 59%.” He said the county will seek other funding sources but intends to keep a probation officer working with schools and community engagement boards to support truancy petitions. “It’s very disappointing that the legislature has essentially gutted truancy funding for jurisdictions,” he said.

Why it matters: Commissioners were told the reduction jeopardizes part of a probation officer position that previously helped file truancy petitions and support at-risk youth. Court services said the county still files a large number of petitions and that the funding formula distributes dollars based on volume.

Court services also raised public-safety concerns. Forrest said staff continue to see “young people, adolescents arrested, with firearms in their possession,” and that many local juvenile detainees are being held on firearm charges. He said the court is applying a zero-tolerance approach: those picked up with firearms are likely to be detained and, for repeat offenders, may face commitment to the state juvenile rehabilitation system. “When you look at our juvenile detention population in the detention facility, most of the Walla Walla kids that are being held right now, they’re on firearm charges,” he said.

Discussion vs. direction: Commissioners received the report; there was no formal vote. Forrest said staff will try to piece together other funding sources and maintain a probation officer to assist schools with truancy petitions. The remarks were presented as a staff update and direction to continue operations, not as a regulatory change or new county program.

Background and context: Forrest said other counties experienced even larger reductions, and he referenced state-level budget actions handled through the Administrative Office of the Courts and a statewide funding formula that distributes money to counties. The transcript did not specify which other funding sources the county expects to pursue or any concrete grant applications.

What’s next: County staff said they will continue to work with school districts and community partners and will report back as alternative funding is identified. No additional action or vote was recorded at the meeting.