County hears request to expand juvenile diversion post with Crime Commission grant

Tristan, who briefed the board on March 7, asked the York County Board of Commissioners to support applying for an additional Nebraska Crime Commission grant to continue and possibly expand a part‑time juvenile diversion position.

Tristan said the office currently handles roughly 50 truancy cases and about 20 diversion cases split between him and a part‑time staffer. “We’re paying him $23 an hour,” Tristan said, and if that position were converted to a full‑time, 40‑hour role the estimated payroll would increase accordingly (as discussed during the meeting the figure would be accessible if the grant funds the position starting July 1). The grant application is due at the end of March; any award would be available in the next budget year beginning July 1.

Board members asked how the county would cover benefits and whether the hire would be permanent if grant funding ended. Tristan said he had informed the part‑time employee that the role depends on recurring grant decisions and that the county currently relies on a mix of Crime Commission awards and limited county match to fund the position. He described work toward a collaborative attendance plan to reduce truancy by involving families, school administrators and counselors rather than relying solely on enforcement.

No formal vote was recorded on March 7; the board indicated it would place the grant request on a future agenda for action. If awarded, the grant could be used to maintain the current part‑time worker past July or to increase hours toward a full‑time position, depending on the amount awarded.