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Deschutes County accepts reduced VOCA grant as commissioners consider seeking federal review
Summary
Deschutes County commissioners accepted Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding on the consent agenda while several commissioners raised alarm that Oregon's VOCA allocation fell from $540,000 to $106,000 this year; a proposed letter to the U.S. Department of Justice received no immediate support.
Deschutes County commissioners voted to accept Victims of Crime Act funding for the District Attorney's victims assistance program during the Sept. 17 consent agenda, even as commissioners warned the county will have fewer resources to support crime victims.
Commissioner Adair, who spoke during the consent-item discussion, said the county's VOCA allocation fell "from $540,000 to $106,000," a reduction she described as an 80% cut. "These positions are critically important to support people in our community who have sometimes experienced great violence or trauma," she said.
The drop, Adair said, stems from the U.S. Department of Justice withholding a portion of Oregon's VOCA allocation; the county received a letter from District Attorney Steve Gunnels outlining staff reductions the DA's office must implement. Adair proposed that the county send a letter asking the Department of Justice to reopen VOCA funding to Oregon, but other commissioners expressed hesitation.
Commissioner Chang said he was "hesitant to support a letter" at this time given federal budget uncertainty and the possibility of a federal government funding impasse. Another commissioner suggested waiting 30 days to see how federal financing and related deadlines evolve before deciding whether to request federal action.
The consent agenda motion including acceptance of VOCA funds carried on a unanimous vote; commissioners did not direct staff to send a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice at the meeting.
Why this matters: VOCA-funded victim advocates and support staff in the DA's office assist people through criminal-case processes, provide referrals and help access services. Commissioners flagged the potential for reduced local capacity if the federal funds remain withheld.
The board did not adopt a county letter at the Sept. 17 meeting; a request to revisit the matter in 30 days was suggested but no formal direction was taken at the public meeting.
