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Commissioners approve two BJA grant bids for DWI drug court and veterans treatment court, 3‑2 on staffing concern
Summary
The court authorized applications for two Bureau of Justice Assistance grants — a $655,000 DWI drug court enhancement and a $202,148 veterans treatment grant — that would fund a grant‑dependent program case manager and training; the pair passed 3‑2 amid concern about sustaining grant‑funded staff.
Williamson County Commissioners voted 3‑2 to authorize applications for two federal Bureau of Justice Assistance grants to expand specialty court services.
Tanya, the county's specialty court administrator, told the court that the DWI drug court enhancement would total about $655,000 over four years and include treatment and monitoring funds along with a grant‑funded program case manager; the veterans treatment grant requested about $202,148 over four years and includes training for volunteer peer supports. Tanya said the program would use grant funds for 50% of the program case manager salary (split across the two grants) and that the positions would be fully grant dependent.
Several commissioners praised the program's success in reducing recidivism but expressed concern about adding staff funded by grants, citing prior instances when the county absorbed grant positions into the general fund or fronted salaries while awards were processed. Commissioner commentary centered on sustainability if federal funding ended and whether the program added net capacity or primarily provided enhanced services.
The court approved both items (items 32 and 33) jointly by a 3‑2 vote, with the minutes noting dissenting concern about future budget impacts should the grants expire. The court authorized staff to apply for the grants; if awarded, the county will return to accept and implement the grant terms.
Commissioners and staff also discussed match and indirect‑cost options and confirmed the grants' application deadlines in early May.
