Board approves $143,475 VOCA grant allocation for victim services
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Summary
The board approved a FY2026 VOCA continuation grant for the Western Judicial Circuit's district attorney's office totaling $143,475 to fund three victim service advocate positions and benefits for the Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026 grant year; the typical 25% match was waived.
The Oconee County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 27 to approve a federal VOCA continuation grant application that provides funding for victim services in the Western Judicial Circuit.
Melissa told the board the VOCA award (AWD-VOCADash25Dash071Dash012) would provide $143,475 for Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026, covering three victim service advocate positions and one position's benefits for the district attorney's office. She said the usual 25% local match has been waived in recent years and is waived for the upcoming federal fiscal year; the funds were already in the county budget and staff asked the board to approve the award so the county could meet federal filing deadlines.
Action: An unnamed commissioner moved to approve the FY26 VOCA grant award allocation as submitted; the motion was seconded and carried.
Why it matters: VOCA funds support direct services to victims of crime, including advocates who provide support and referrals. The county is the fiscal agent for the grant within the circuit and the grant supports positions and benefits, not a new program beyond the existing victim services structure.
What's next: Staff will complete required paperwork and proceed with grant administration as fiscal agent for the circuit.
