CJCC executive committee designates $5,000 donation for domestic violence victim assistance, delegates approval authority

The Dunn County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council executive committee voted to designate a $5,000 donation from the Battered Women’s Justice Project to support local domestic violence victims and related services, and delegated approval authority for disbursements to CJCC staff.

Staff member Sarah explained that the funds were received in late 2023 as a thank-you for participating in firearms mapping and attending the Battered Women’s Justice Project training. The money was carried forward through the 2024 budget into 2025. A stakeholder work group met on May 1 to identify possible uses, and recommended categories that include safe storage for surrendered firearms, legal filing fee assistance, replacement of critical documents, short-term housing and emergency needs, transportation and phone/gas cards, counseling co-pays, home safety equipment, and parental co‑parenting apps.

County Manager Chris Corpola moved that the executive committee designate the $5,000 for any of the items identified by the work group, delegate decision-making authority to the CJCC office, cap disbursements at $200 per victim family, and require a report back to the full CJCC. Chair McCullough seconded the motion. Committee members approved the motion by voice vote.

During discussion, committee members favored a streamlined application and approval process to respond quickly to immediate needs rather than waiting for formal committee meetings. Law-enforcement representatives noted that the sheriff’s office may be able to fund a firearms storage locker internally, so that item was treated as lower priority. The DA’s office and others urged clarity on how to notify referral partners; members suggested Bridge to Hope, victim witness services in the district attorney’s office, and adult protective services as initial referral points.

Meeting discussion included a brief review of court filing fees for civil actions: an attendee reported approximate divorce filing fees near $194.50 and that domestic-abuse and child-abuse restraining orders carry no fee; filing a harassment restraining order may carry a fee (approx. $164.50). Committee members acknowledged fee waivers are available for indigent filers and that the donated funds should be reserved for those who do not qualify for a waiver or need other short-term supports.

The committee directed staff to implement a simple application and approval process, allow CJCC staff to approve requests up to the $200 per victim-family cap, and provide expenditure reports to the full CJCC at a later meeting. Staff said they would return to the group with administrative details and a usage report.