Judge tells council Department of Corrections grant cut requires $90,000 boost to legal services

Judge Brent told the Porter County Council that recent changes in state grant funding have shifted legally mandated costs onto the county, and he asked the council to authorize an appropriation for legal services.

“The Department of Corrections cut the grant entirely,” Judge Brent said, describing earlier grant support that had covered costs for competency hearings and related assessments. “These costs are required by law and must be covered by the PD budget.”

Brent said the county previously received a Department of Corrections grant beginning in 2022 that helped pay for frequent assessments and hearings; that funding was cut in 2024 and attempts to restore the grant in 2025 were unsuccessful. He also said a higher number of appeals under the current prosecutor’s office has increased the number of cases requiring appointed public defenders to handle appeals.

After the judge’s explanation, a councilmember moved to transfer $90,000 into the legal-services line. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

Why it matters: County-funded legal services pay for constitutionally required counsel for defendants unable to afford private attorneys. A loss of state grant support may increase pressure on the county budget or require future adjustments.

Clarifying details from the meeting - The judge told the council he had expected grant funding (approximately $60,000) that had not been restored; the grant was cut in 2024 and efforts in 2025 to recover retroactive funding failed. - The requested $90,000 was described as necessary to cover ongoing hearings and appeals through the end of the year.

Ending: The council approved the transfer by roll call and instructed the auditor to process the appropriation; departments were told to report back if additional adjustments become necessary.