Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Pre Trial Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners consider $15,000 allocation to bring pre-trial services to Ottawa County
Summary
The board heard a proposal from the 28th Judicial District to fund a part-time pre-trial services staffer for Ottawa County at an estimated $15,000 annually, starting Jan. 1, 2026; sheriff and judge reportedly support the idea but the commission deferred a decision.
Cory Ward of the 28th Judicial District asked the Ottawa County Board of County Commissioners on May 5 to allocate $15,000 to the district's pre-trial services program to place a staff member in Ottawa County each Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Ward said the requested funds would cover about $12,000 annually for salaries and benefits and an additional $3,000 for transportation and client services such as urine analyses, mental-health evaluations and drug- and alcohol-treatment referrals. Ward said, "in 2023 they had 13 clients." He proposed a program start date of Jan. 1, 2026.
Sheriff Thornton expressed support for bringing pre-trial services into the county, saying, "we need to have it; they are not getting the tools they need to succeed in society." Commissioner Scott Mortimer said he had spoken with Judge Parks and "he thinks it's a good idea," and Commissioner Duane Morris reported the County Attorney is in favor. Commissioners did not make a final vote and said they would consider the proposal during budget deliberations.
The proposal would create a regular weekly presence of pre-trial staff in Ottawa County and fund transportation and client-service costs. Commissioners requested follow-up information, including any eligibility limits and agreements with neighboring county providers, before making a funding decision.
