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Board approves $6,000 from gaming funds to support Woodbury County adult drug court meals
Summary
The board approved a $6,000 allocation from unallocated gaming funds to pay for meals and program costs for the adult drug court after Judge Bob described volunteer involvement and operational needs; board members discussed alternative funding sources but used gaming funds because they are available and unrestricted.
The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors approved a $6,000 allocation from gaming funds to support the Woodbury County Adult Drug Court, a community-panel program that relies heavily on unpaid volunteers.
Supervisor Dan Binger presented the request and introduced Judge Bob, who described the program's operations and staffing. The judge said volunteers number 21 across adult and juvenile programs, that staffings begin at 4:30 p.m. and sessions start at 5:30 p.m., and that meal costs for participants and volunteers typically run about $160 per night. "It's a program that's saved lives. It saved families," the judge said, describing why the court provides meals during evening sessions.
Board members asked about the loss of previous grant funding and whether opioid-settlement or other restricted funds might cover the expense in future years. County staff noted gaming funds had about $54,000 unallocated at the time, and board members concluded gaming funds were an appropriate short-term source. The motion to approve $6,000 from gaming funds (moved by Nelson, seconded by Bittinger) passed unanimously.
Supervisor and staff comments emphasized the volunteer nature of the panels (21 volunteers in total) and that the adult and juvenile panels meet the first three Wednesdays of each month. Staff said they would continue to explore sustainable funding sources for program meals in future budget cycles.
