Prosecutor budget workshop: travel, training and courthouse-dog funds reallocated; capital-case line reclassified

Bonner County commissioners and prosecutor'office staff reviewed multiple line items in the prosecutor budget, including travel and training, courthouse-dog costs, vehicle repairs, and a long-standing miscellaneous amount used for a high-cost homicide (capital) case.

Prosecutor explained the courthouse-dog change: "We subtracted 3,000 and split it up, and added 500 to each the mileage, the travel, mileage, meals and per diem, and the lodging accounts. And then added the last thousand to our contingency account." The reduction reflected that the office's older, high-veterinary-cost dog has retired and a future dog is likely to be younger and less costly.

Staff and commissioners emphasized travel and training needs for attorneys and victim-advocacy staff. Prosecutor said victim-advocacy personnel must attend certification conferences and some costs will not be covered by an incoming CAC grant; the office expects the grant may hire another person, which could increase travel needs. The board requested concise Munis notes that explain anticipated training categories, approximate number of days and associated lodging so future budget reviewers can see the rationale when expenditures change.

Vehicle costs were discussed: the office reported repeated repair bills on a department Durango and asked to move $1,000 from professional-service investigations to vehicle repairs and maintenance to cover recurring work. The prosecutor said the Durango is being prioritized for local travel and victim-service runs during the week when available.

Commissioners and staff also agreed to reclassify a longstanding miscellaneous line used in a high-cost homicide as a capital-case budget item. One staffer explained: "This is for my capital case. This is 1 of the big homicide cases." The group agreed the line should carry a clearer label and note so it is not treated as a one-time enhancement.

Other operational items discussed: cell-phone recycling and replacement practices, small-asset purchases after a courthouse flood increased prior replacement needs, and contingency rules for trial-related witness travel. There were no formal votes; the board asked staff to update budgets with descriptive notes, create or relabel lines (victim-advocate travel, capital case), and return with firmer estimates prior to the next budget round.

Ending: Staff were asked to provide a second-round submission with detailed travel/training estimates and the requested line-item notes; commissioners said a follow-up meeting will focus primarily on salary and personnel considerations.