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Lincoln County OKs Crime Commission grant application and allows grant funds for egress door at youth center
Summary
The board authorized the chair to sign a FY2027 Nebraska Crime Commission community-based juvenile services aid application for $110,802 to support diversion and school specialist programs and approved using existing grant funds to pay for an egress door required to avoid a secure-detention classification.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 8 authorized the chair to sign an application to the Nebraska Crime Commission for the FY2027 community-based juvenile services aid grant, a program the county expects could provide $110,802 this fiscal year. Presenters from Community Connections and the public defender’s office said the funds would support juvenile diversion work and a schools specialist position intended to prevent children from entering the juvenile justice system.
Amanda Schickert of the public defender’s office and Jana Schaff of Community Connections told commissioners that the county’s allocation has declined from prior years and that combining program lines reduces the reporting burden associated with the grant. Schaff said some programs previously funded through the grant, including a juvenile assessment center program, have been self-funded.
Separately, the board authorized the chair to sign a related alternative-to-detention form after the Nebraska Crime Commission required an egress door to prevent the county diversion facility from being considered a secure detention center. The door’s purchase price was stated in the meeting transcript as $3,420; presenters said the commission permitted the county to use current grant funds for the door and that installation will require a vetted contractor. The county set an installation timeline with a target date of July 1.
Commissioner Woodruff moved to authorize the chair to sign the grant application; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. A second motion approving the alternative-to-detention form and the reallocation of grant funds for the egress door also passed by roll call. No members of the public addressed the board on these items during the meeting.
The county will proceed with contract and installation planning for the door and complete the grant application process. The presenters said the reconfigured grant would prioritize diversion and school-support services to reduce juvenile entry into the court system.
