Commissioners accept several state and federal grants, including VOCA, recovery‑court, family‑services and RSVP awards

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County voted July 15 to accept multiple state and federal grants and approve related budget amendments for county programs.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) — State’s Attorney’s Office: The office informed commissioners that federal grantors reduced some funding lines and changed salary fringe coverage for the director of victim services. The awarded federal grant amount is $427,987; the office asked the county to increase the previously budgeted county match from $132,412 to $142,964 (an increase of roughly $10,552) to cover the changed salary/fringe split. Commissioners approved acceptance of the FY26 VOCA award and the budget amendment.

Office of Problem‑Solving Courts — Recovery Courts: The circuit court requested acceptance of an Office of Problem‑Solving Courts award (MD2625) for the adult recovery court and family recovery court programs in the amount of $311,421, with a county match of $232,000 for a total program budget of $543,421. Commissioners approved acceptance and the related budget amendment.

Family Services Program — Administrative Office of the Courts: Court family‑services staff requested acceptance of a state award (MD2620) of $225,990.10 to cover programs for family cases; the award requires no county match. Commissioners approved acceptance and the budget amendment.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) — Corporation for National and Community Service: The Department of Aging and Human Services reported it received year‑one of a three‑year RSVP award. The total first‑year budget is $165,816: $144,972 federal; a required county match of $16,165; and $4,679 additional county funding. The commission approved acceptance and the budget amendment.

Why it matters: the grants fund victim services, court problem‑solving and recovery programs, family‑services supports and a volunteer‑placement program that connects volunteers to nonprofit partners countywide. The awards preserve program capacity and in some cases increase county funding obligations to match revised federal awards.

Next steps: departments will execute grant documents and implement programs under the accepted awards. The county will reflect the approved match amounts in upcoming budget management actions.