Discuss, consider, and take action regarding FY2024 funding for PCN2003.001100 to meet the requirements the Office of the Governor - Victim’s Against Women Justice and Training Program Grant in accordance with the Commissioner Court Resolution approved on February 14, 2023.

In 2021, the District Attorney, with approval of the Commissioners Court by Resolution, first applied for a grant to establish and partially fund a position to prosecute felony adult sexual assault cases.  See January 26, 2021 Agenda, Item 18.  The District Attorney received the grant and the Adult Sexual Assault Prosecutor position (PCN2003.001100) was established. The District Attorney received additional funds in the budget to fully fund the position.

In 2022, the District Attorney, with approval of the Commissioners Court by Resolution, again applied for the grant to partially fund the Adult Sexual Assault Prosecutor position for FY2023. See February 8, 2022 Agenda, Item 19.  The District Attorney also requested the position in the FY2023 budget to retain the position in the event the grant was not received.  The District Attorney received the grant for FY2023 and additional funds in the budget to fully fund the position.

In 2023, the District Attorney, with approval of the Commissioners Court by Resolution, applied for the grant to partially fund the Adult Sexual Assault Prosecutor for FY2024. See February 14, 2023 Agenda, Item 34. The District Attorney also requested the position in the budget to retain the position in the event the grant was not received.  This is the third and final year the District Attorney is eligible to apply for the grant.
The District Attorney has been notified that a grant for FY2024 is recommended, but the grant award has not been made, and is not expected before the County’s July 1 grant funding deadline. The District Attorney applied for grant funds of $123,900 (70%) but only $57,401.61 (32%) has been recommended.  As a result of a decrease in the grant funding percentage, and the increase in cost of the position due to COLA and merit increases, the amount required from the County to fully fund the position for FY2024 exceeds the $53,100 anticipated. The Auditor’s Office calculated the amount of $115,808.43 is needed from the County to fund the position through September 2024.
By Resolution, the Commissioners Court has already agreed to provide necessary funding to finance the grant project for FY2024. The District Attorney is bringing this issue to the Court’s attention, in the interest of transparency, before the July 1, 2023 deadline.  Once the grant award is made the County’s funding requirement in accordance with the Resolution will be finally determined.

Attachments:
Grant Resolution for FY2024
Auditor’s Calculation
Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) Grant Recommendation for FY2024