Council approves VOCA-funded salary increases for CASA staff, reimbursed by grant

The Fayette County Council approved a request to raise VOCA grant salary line items for CASA staff members to match the local cost-share portion and to make the increase retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026. Michelle Richardson, who said she oversees CASA and victim assistance for the county, told the council VOCA had provided written approval and would reimburse both the salary increase and the retroactive amount, so the change would not cost county general funds.

Richardson said the adjustment would result in a raise of $999.96 for her and her deputy Sherry and that the VOCA salary must not exceed the local cost portion. "We are requesting that our VOCA salary be raised to match our local share as allowed under the VOCA grant," she said, adding the VOCA office had confirmed the reimbursement in emails and written approvals. Council members asked whether the grant was sustainable and Richardson said she must reapply every two years; she said she had already applied for the next two-year cycle.

A motion to approve the adjustment was made and seconded; the council voted in favor. Several members noted the change would not impact county general funds because VOCA would reimburse the amounts approved.

The council directed staff to record the approval and proceed with the administrative steps needed to reflect the increase in the county payroll records and grant files. No additional county funding was required for this action.