Prosecutor's office reports revenue drop; VOCA and extradition costs change Knox County share

Shane Riley, representing the district attorney's office at the county budget workshop, told commissioners the office expects lower revenue from deferred dispositions and a smaller share of a district VOCA grant, prompting a net budget increase driven largely by personnel and new operating costs.

Riley said the D8 VOCA grant that previously helped cover victim-advocate services has been reduced and is now being split evenly among four counties at $13,007.50 apiece. "That that that was, $20,006.25. It's being reduced to $13,007.50," he said while explaining the grant reallocation across the district.

The DA's office also reported that extradition and some specialized lab service costs have risen. Riley said a $2,000 extradition cost that might have been typical previously has climbed to several thousand dollars now, increasing the need for available witness-fee and extradition funds. "That $2,000 extradition has now jumped somewhere in the 8 or $5,000 to bring somebody back," he said.

Riley recommended maintaining a witness-fee reserve and said increased training — including for prosecution of strangulation cases — is driving up lodging and travel lines. He characterized the office budget as being held to a "bare bones" posture but nonetheless projecting an overall increase of about 11% because of falling local revenue and rising operating costs.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about tablet and computer replacement (previously supported by ARPA) and whether the county could use educational grants to cover training; staff said departments can apply for an education reimbursement grant that will reimburse $600 per employee (50% of a $1,200 cap) if awarded.

The DA's office's budget refinements will be considered by the budget committee on Oct. 31.