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Richmond officials urge state to preserve funding after pre-charge oversight moved to Attorney General
Summary
Town managers, police chiefs and CJC directors told Richmond’s select board that the pre-charge case responsibility moved from the Department of Corrections to the Attorney General's office but funding did not transfer; local leaders asked the AG and legislators to maintain current funding models through FY26 while exploring administrative alternatives.
Town staff and the director of the Williston Community Justice Center told Richmond’s select board that pre-charge referrals for local community justice centers were moved administratively from the Department of Corrections to the Attorney General’s office during the last legislative session, but that funding did not follow.
"The pre-charged case responsibility was transferred to the Attorney General's office but the funding was not transferred," director Chrystal Lee said, summarizing a change that leaves local CJCs uncertain about next year’s support. Managers and CJC directors worked with an AGO staffer to identify models that could preserve services; one option would keep the present structure through the end of fiscal year 2026 while exploring centralized administration for some centers.
Officials noted that the Attorney General and legislators are considering administrative approaches and that a report is due to the legislature by April 1. The local letter to the AGO requests either continued funding in the near term or a model that keeps all four current centers (Burlington, South Burlington, Essex and Williston/Richmond area) operational while centralizing some administrative tasks to reduce duplication.
Board members warned that municipal contributions already vary across centers and that shifting obligations to towns without clear statutory authority could create inequities. Jeff suggested drafting a joint letter from Richmond and Hinesburg select boards and the joint chief to the governor and local legislators to emphasize the CJC program's value.
There was no formal board action to commit local funds at the meeting; staff said they would continue advocacy and await the governor’s proposed budget and the AGO’s guidance.
