Commissioners agree to let clerk manage county victim-advocate fund; $9,000 balance to be dispersed by voucher

County officials discussed the disposition of the victim-advocate fund, a restricted account that receives a $25 fee assessed in criminal cases. County staff told commissioners the fund currently holds just over $9,000 and recommended a distribution to local domestic-violence programs.

Sheriff’s Office and court staff said the fee supports victim services, including referrals to local agencies and outreach programs such as school-based dating-safety curricula. The county has previously sent funds to Valley City for domestic-violence services; commissioners were told there is a state list of eligible domestic-violence programs and that Valley City is the nearest provider the county has used.

County staff proposed an annual distribution: prepare a voucher and present it to the commissioners for approval at the first meeting of the year (January) so the money is disbursed within the calendar year. Clerk/administrative staff agreed to manage the fund and prepare the voucher. A commissioner moved that the funds be managed by the clerk’s office; the board agreed to let Clerk Kelly manage the fund and directed staff to prepare a voucher to appear at the next meeting so the board can approve the payout.

Commissioners and staff discussed whether any portion of the fund should be reserved to cover an annual fee for a statewide victims’ program; staff said they would confirm any required state charges before disbursing the balance. Commissioners noted larger counties may distribute funds monthly; Griggs County’s volume is lower and an annual distribution was preferred.

No specific dollar amount for the payout was finalized beyond the stated balance of about $9,000; staff will prepare a voucher identifying the amount to be paid and the recipient agency for commissioners’ approval.