Graham County board approves limited spending from RICO account for surveillance and safety gear

The Graham County Board of Supervisors on May 19 approved a request to spend money from the county's RICO account to support purchases of surveillance and safety equipment for the sheriff's office.

County Manager Dustin Welker told the board the funds come from RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) and are used to match a separate grant, the Drug Gang and Violent Crime Control Program. "We're required to meet the requirements on these grants to spend a certain amount of money each year," Welker said. He said there is about $25,000 across both grants and the county needs to spend roughly $10,000 before the end of the year. "This isn't a lot and ... it may just be for batteries, flashlights, and some other minor items," he said.

Board members voiced appreciation for the paperwork and tracking required for grant management. A motion to approve the request to spend RICO funds in support of Fund 138 passed by voice vote with affirmative responses and no recorded opposing votes.

The board did not specify exact line-item purchases or provide a vendor list at the meeting; Welker described the request as intentionally broad to allow purchasing of surveillance and other safety items needed to meet grant conditions.