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Commission directs staff to use SIP surplus to cover VOCA shortfall rather than cut services
Summary
Facing a projected $45,054 shortfall after federal restrictions on VOCA funding, the board voted to maintain current victim-witness services and use SIP surplus funds to cover the gap.
The board approved a motion to maintain current appropriations for the county’s victim and witness support program and to use surplus SIP (State Imprest/Interim Program) revenue from FY2025 to offset reduced VOCA grant funding.
County staff explained federal limitations affecting VOCA funding tied to immigration-enforcement policies and said the department faces a net deficit of about $45,054 for the affected program in FY26. Finance staff (Kevin) presented two options: reduce services to match lower appropriations or keep services intact and cover the gap from a roughly $60,000 SIP surplus from FY25.
Commissioners discussed the risk of future grant losses and whether the SIP balance should be preserved; Kevin recommended covering the full $45,054 shortfall to avoid cutting services. Chair Sykes moved to maintain the budget and use SIP general-fund SIP revenue to offset the grant reductions and to direct staff to prepare necessary budget adjustments. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Staff were directed to prepare formal budget adjustment documents to implement the transfer and report back as required.
