Marathon County committee recommends accepting DOJ grants, expanding deflection program

Marathon County Public Safety Committee members on June 10 recommended that the county amend its 2025 budget to accept two federal grants from the U.S. Department of Justice, passed through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, to expand the county—s deflection program.

District Attorney Kyle Mayo told the committee the awards are part of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Program (COSEP). "We put in for 2 of those, and we got both of them," Mayo said, describing the funding as intended to "enhance and expand our deflection program" that connects people with substance-use treatment more quickly.

The grants total about $700,000 over two years, with an additional $300,000 extension opportunity, the committee was told. Mayo said the awards are pass-through grants: federal funds to the U.S. Department of Justice, routed to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, and then to Marathon County. He told the panel the awards are "not matching grant funds," meaning the county would not need to provide a local match.

County administration staff explained the committee was being asked to amend only the 2025 budget now; the remainder of the multi-year grant cycle will be incorporated into the 2026 budget process. "We'll incorporate the receipt of those funds into the 2026 budget for the county board to consider with the formal budget proposal," said county staff member Leonard, explaining the timing and budgeting mechanics.

Committee members asked about sustainability and reporting. One supervisor asked whether the county planned to cover the positions created by the grant after the grant ends or to pursue levy increases. Mayo said those long-term funding decisions would be for the county board to make when the grant nears its later years: "That's a decision for the county board," he said, and recommended developing performance measures during the grant period to inform any future budget decisions.

Staff and DA office employees described who would manage grant reporting. Ruth Heinzel, from the district attorney's office, and the diversion supervisor currently handle grant reporting, the committee was told. Dana, who runs the county—s deflection program, said the deflection specialist included in the expansion "would be responsible for keeping and tracking those performance metrics" and that the office provides quarterly updates at stakeholder meetings.

Finance staff confirmed the grant operates on a reimbursement basis. "I believe it's reimbursement," said a finance staff member, clarifying how expenses will be paid and later claimed back from the grant fund.

The committee voted to recommend amending the 2025 budget to accept the COSEP grant funds and forward the resolution to the Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee. Supervisor Yi moved the recommendation and Supervisor Nick seconded; the chair called for the voice vote and the motion passed. The resolution will appear on the HR Finance agenda for further consideration.

The committee noted no local match is required and that routine grant-reporting obligations will add to existing workloads handled by the district attorney's grant staff and diversion team. The committee set its next meeting for July 8, 2025.