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Therapeutic courts face funding cut; city staff seek options after state award falls short
Summary
Court staff said a requested $765,441 to sustain therapeutic courts was partially funded at about $430,000, leaving a roughly $283,000 shortfall. The office seeks options and expects to return to committee with a recommendation; drug‑testing vendor Absolute Drug Testing contract renewal was presented as a two‑year extension at $250,000 per year.
Court administrators told the Public Safety and Community Health Committee on July 14 that therapeutic court programs face a reduced state allocation this year and the bench is considering program adjustments to maintain services. Court staff said they had requested $765,441 to support therapeutic courts at current capacity but received approximately $430,000, creating an estimated shortfall of about $283,000. "We did receive the 430,000 and some. So we are down, close to $283,000 in 1 year," the court representative said. The office said it has met with the bench to consider capacity and program redesigns and will return to the council with specific proposals. Separately, the committee heard a contract renewal for Absolute Drug Testing, a vendor selected through an RFP. The renewal would extend the contract for two years (renewals 1 and 2 of 4) at $250,000 per year to support drug and alcohol testing for community justice services and therapeutic courts. Court staff said exploring an in‑house testing capability had been considered previously but logistical constraints—space, secure restrooms and availability for weekend hours—kept that option from moving forward. Staff said they expect to return to the Public Safety committee with a fuller update at the next meeting. No committee votes were recorded on July 14; the presentations were informational and budget decisions will require follow‑up.
