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Judge and staff brief commissioners on Becker County treatment courts, recent graduations and funding
Summary
Judge Tylamoni and staff updated the board on treatment court activity, noting recent graduations, improvements in performance measures, a planned 'Reconnect' app, and $143,000 in state funding effective 07/01/2026; the team is seeking a defense attorney to join its docket.
At a Becker County Board meeting, Judge Tylamoni and treatment‑court staff provided an update on drug, veterans and DWI treatment courts, outlining program outcomes and funding needs.
Judge Tylamoni (introduced by the chair) summarized participants and program accomplishments: six graduations in 2025, two in 2026, and a total of 142 graduates in the Clay/Becker drug‑court program. The judge described metrics being improved for graduation, retention, sobriety and post‑program recidivism, and said staff are updating the program manual and performance measures.
The team is developing a mobile app called 'Reconnect' to help staff and participants stay connected. For veterans court the presenter reported 10 graduates overall, five from Becker County, and said none of the veterans court graduates had reoffended. The presenter also said the program is working to add a defense attorney to the team, describing recruitment as a long‑standing need that is close to resolution.
Funding: the presenter reported that Becker County received $143,000 in state funding as of 07/01/2026, but said current state formulas have not kept pace with rising program costs; those funds do not fully cover probation, surveillance, drug testing and training expenses. The presenter asked the board for continued county investment to sustain surveillance officer support and peer recovery partnerships.
Commissioners praised the court team and reiterated the value of alternatives to incarceration for people struggling with substance use and mental health challenges.
Quote: "We're really asking for your continued investment in Becker County treatment courts and for helping to improve public safety while changing lives," Judge Tylamoni said.
What happens next: staff will continue efforts to recruit a defense attorney to the team, update policies, and report back on program metrics as data systems are refined.
