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County authorizes application for mental-health deputy grant with 25% local match
Summary
The court approved submitting an application for a mental-health deputy funded 75% by grant funds with a 25% local match; commissioners discussed estimated monthly match ranges ($1,0002-$2,000) and asked staff to return with specific cost breakdowns and funding sources.
The court authorized staff to apply for a mental-health deputy grant that would fund 75% of the position while requiring a 25% local match from Newton County. Presenters described the role as a sheriff's deputy specializing in mental-health liaison duties: regular check-ins with clients, coordination with the Burke Center, facilitating transport and reducing jail bookings by proactive outreach.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the program could reduce jail population and transport miles by providing a dedicated deputy to manage mental-health cases and coordination with behavioral-health providers.
Cost questions dominated discussion. Staff said similarly sized counties pay between $1,000 and $2,000 per month for the local share; commissioners noted the county would need to identify a county funding source for the match because state grant money cited (Senate Bill funding) cannot be used to satisfy this local-match obligation.
Outcome: The court voted to approve applying for the grant and instructed staff to provide a supporting letter for the application; final funding decisions and longer-term budgeting for a local match will return to the court once details are known.
Representative quote: A presenter described the mental-health deputy as "a general sheriff's deputy, but they best their specialty is obviously mental health" and said deputies could help keep other deputies available for emergency calls.
Ending note: The application was approved; staff will return with specific budget implications and a proposed plan for the local match if the grant advances.
