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County to apply for VOCA funds as staff warn of flat funding and increased workload
Summary
Clearfield County approved submission of a VOCA grant application for fiscal year 2025-26. Victim services staff warned commissioners that stagnant or declining grant levels have forced the county to use general fund dollars to maintain services.
Clearfield County commissioners voted to approve the county's VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) grant application for the 2025-26 fiscal year after hearing that the program's federal allocation has been flat or declining, and that county general funds are being used to cover shortfalls.
Margie Roselli, who presented the VOCA item to the board, said the application is effectively an extension of the current grant and covers the period Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026. The application lists an allocation of $67,912 for that budget year. Roselli described the program's work as providing "more in-depth services" such as victim compensation assistance and preparation for hearings and sentencings.
Commissioners and staff discussed the grant's funding history. A commissioner noted the allocation had been "flat" and that the last funding period was slightly higher, at about $71,000. Roselli and others said a combination of flat federal/state funding and increased casework has required the county to use general fund revenues to keep services running. Roselli described staffing strain: she said two advocates have worked through lunches and stayed late to keep up with court and trial schedules, and that the trial list and number of serious cases have increased recently.
After discussion, a motion to consider and approve the VOCA grant application was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Commissioners said they remain committed to maintaining the service despite funding pressures.
