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Commissioners approve grant to fund a sheriff's deputy for problem‑solving courts, 6‑1 vote
Summary
Douglas County commissioners voted 6–1 to accept Nebraska Crime Commission funding for an additional Douglas County Sheriff's deputy to support problem‑solving courts (drug court, veterans court, young‑adult court); Commissioner Borgeson voted no.
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted to accept a Nebraska Crime Commission grant to fund an additional sheriff's deputy assigned to local problem‑solving courts.
The motion to accept the grant was moved and seconded and passed 6–1. Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson cast the lone no vote. The funding will add a deputy position to support the courts’ multidisciplinary teams, the sheriff’s office said.
Captain Nate Kovaric of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office explained that the deputy will support drug court, veterans court and young‑adult court and that the sheriff’s office historically has participated in these teams as a best practice. He said the new position is designed to improve coordination between law enforcement and the courts’ treatment teams, and judges and defenders at the meeting described law‑enforcement participation as a nationally recommended component of problem‑solving courts.
Judge Jeff Lux, who presides over Veterans Treatment Court, told commissioners having law enforcement on the team "helps get other law enforcement to buy in" and can improve coordination when an eligible defendant is identified at arrest. Several commissioners said they supported the courts’ work and credited the program with both public‑safety and fiscal benefits, noting diversion reduces jail bed days and costs.
Why it matters: Problem‑solving courts combine judicial oversight, treatment and supervision to reduce recidivism among defendants with substance‑use disorders, military service needs or young‑adult risk factors. The sheriff’s deputy on the team will participate in hearings and coordination with partner agencies, a role the courts and sheriff described as improving outcomes and compliance.
Vote record: The board recorded a 6–1 vote in favor; Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson voted no while the other six commissioners voted to accept the grant.
Meeting context and next steps: The grant covers a time‑limited position. Several commissioners and the judge noted sustainability concerns: the grant may not be permanent, and the county could be asked to assume salary costs if state or grant funds lapse. Commissioners asked the sheriff’s office and probation leaders to continue outlining sustainability plans.
