Dunn County CJCC urges state boost to TAD funding as programs expand

The Dunn County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council voted to forward a legislative recommendation urging the state to increase Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) funding after staff told the council rising program costs and new program starts are straining the current statewide pot.

Sarah, the CJCC presenter, said the state currently allocates roughly $10 million (recently increased from smaller amounts over prior years) among more than 90 programs. She warned that proposed legislation to expand TAD eligibility to mental-health treatment would add more programs seeking the same fixed pool and could reduce per-program funding unless the state increases the total appropriation.

Council members asked clarifying questions about how adding mental-health treatment would change eligibility and service options. In response to a question about whether mental-health funding expands available services, Sarah said it does broaden service options and the applicant pool. The council approved a motion to recommend that the county's legislative committee pursue a state increase in TAD funding so counties are better able to sustain drug-testing, case management and treatment components that support public safety and recovery.

The presenter noted that TAD funds currently support treatment-court enhancements, post-charge diversion programming and pre-trial services in Dunn County and that increased participation and rising local costs have required greater county contributions under the fixed five-year grant cycles.

The council moved and approved the recommendation by voice vote; the item will be taken to the county board's legislative committee for formal inclusion on the county's legislative agenda.