Prosecuting Attorney’s office budgets reviewed: state reimbursements and declining drug-fund receipts

Finance staff reviewed several funds overseen by the Prosecuting Attorney’s office. For the PA general fund, staff said intergovernmental revenues include state payments that cover roughly half of the PA’s salary and other allocations related to legal decisions; an expected $18,000 accrual would push revenues above budgeted expectations.

On expenses, staff listed personnel, supplies and services, noting dues and subscriptions (including Thomson Reuters/Westlaw) and professional fees. Jury and witness fees — including expert witnesses such as forensic pathologists and accountants — were cited as variable costs that can spike in years with multiple homicide trials.

Child support services, also recorded in the general fund, had collected $329,000 of a $600,000 budget year-to-date in 2025 with about $150,000 of accruals expected. Finance staff said child support work is 100% reimbursable by the state, so revenues move directly with staffing and expenses; one position was inactivated for 2026 consistent with lower actuals.

Staff described the victim-witness fund as supported by state grants and allocations, with a current cash balance of about $273,000 and a $95,000 transfer in from the general fund. The county’s drug fund, historically funded by court-ordered financial obligations, now receives only about $5,000 annually because courts no longer impose many of those fines; the fund balance was reported at about $259,000. Ryan (PA office) said he proposed using $25,000 this year and next to help offset personnel costs but indicated the fund is not expected to grow.

Commissioners and PA staff also discussed state legislation tracked in Olympia, including potential changes around sentencing and parole initiatives; the PA said he would review weekly updates and follow up with commissioners as needed.

The presentation was informational; no budget votes were taken during the meeting.