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Bonner County OKs grant-funded family advocate position for Lilybrook Family Justice Center
Summary
Commissioners approved a resolution establishing a grant-funded family advocate position at Lilybrook Family Justice Center using state Child Advocacy Center funds; the position is funded for the initial year only and would be discontinued if the grant is not renewed.
Bonner County commissioners voted to authorize a grant-funded family advocate position at the Lilybrook Family Justice Center, accepting state Child Advocacy Center grant funding to cover salary and start‑up costs.
The position was presented during the prosecutor’s office update by Lily Brook, a prosecutor’s office representative, who said the Lilybrook center “was recently awarded the State Child Advocacy Center grant totaling $77,916.75 for the first quarter of the grant cycle ending 09/30/2025” and proposed a family advocate to “provide comprehensive support to children and non‑offending family members throughout their involvement with the justice system and community services.”
The board’s memo cited a proposed salary and benefits package of $70,621.20 annually (listed in the packet as $25 per hour plus benefits); Lily Brook said the salary and start‑up equipment costs would be covered by the awarded funds. Brook also told commissioners the state award, as currently issued, covers one year and that the county is “hoping that it will get passed again for next year. But if not, then no, and the job will, go away.”
Commissioners asked whether the grant covered the full year after an apparent mismatch between state and county fiscal years. Brook explained the state CAC fiscal year begins July 1 and does not align with the county’s October fiscal year; she said the initial award covers the first quarter and additional funding for October–June is expected but the amount and timing “is still in the air.”
The board approved the measure by roll call and recorded yes votes from Mister Williams, Mister Clark and Mister Dahlke. The motion was made in the form recorded as "resolution number 25 dash 40 5" in the meeting packet.
Commissioners and staff characterized the position as contingent on continued state funding; if future CAC awards are not sufficient, the position would be discontinued. There was no public comment on the item.
The county did not specify the hiring timeline in the meeting; Lily Brook said approval was sought in order to begin the hiring process once the board acted.
