The most detailed and potentially impactful discussion centered around the county’s treatment courts. Judges Liser and Rosenfeld, alongside new coordinator Lindsay Cassette, presented an annual update on the treatment courts, which include the drug court, a recently established DWI court, and a veterans court that had resumed operations. They emphasized the importance of these courts for individuals dealing with substance use and mental health issues. Judge Rosenfeld provided statistics: the drug court had 19 participants, the DWI court had 10, and the veterans court had one participant, with seven graduations from the drug court this year.

The judges detailed improvements made in 2025 to enhance the treatment courts’ visibility and effectiveness, such as hiring new staff and receiving a grant from Allrise, which supported foundational training for the drug court team. They also established partnerships with organizations like the Lotus Center and Churches United to provide additional resources for participants. Judge Liser noted an initial bottleneck of eager participants in the DWI court and expressed optimism about their progress. The judges requested financial contributions to sustain the treatment courts, emphasizing the need to retain a portion of funds locally to address participants’ needs, aligning with a focus on “recovery capital.”

In a related discussion, the board considered a proposal for allocating discretionary funds to support participants in rehabilitation programs, specifically those in drug and DWI courts. The proposal suggested a matching funds model where the county would cover half of the costs for community education classes, such as silversmithing and driver’s training, to aid participants’ integration into community life. The board clarified that financial assistance would be allocated during the later phases of the rehabilitation program, focusing on community integration. A total of $30,000 was proposed, with $10,000 earmarked for local use, to provide financial skills training and other support tailored to participant needs.

The board also addressed the need to fill a vacant General Maintenance Technician position, acknowledging the growing number of county buildings requiring maintenance. Joe, a county official, provided a cost-saving analysis to justify the request, which received unanimous support from the commissioners. The board also approved the reappointment of Ashley Hang to the planning commission, recognizing her contributions and engagement.

Another topic was the approval of posting a Request for Proposals (RFP) for food services, covering the juvenile center, correctional facility, and detox center. The RFP would allow for separate bids tailored for each facility, adhering to the National School Lunch Program guidelines. The board acknowledged the financial significance of this contract, emphasizing compliance and the potential for a consumer price index adjustment for contract renewals.

The meeting also covered resolutions supporting local road improvement programs for the cities of Dworth and Holly. These resolutions were crucial as both cities, classified as non-state aid cities, required county sponsorship to secure funds for road construction and improvements. Both resolutions were approved unanimously.

During the meeting, the board reviewed the 2026 budget, focusing on the half-cent sales tax revenues and the refinancing of bonds for the law enforcement center. The county administrator noted the stability of sales tax collections and the positive impact of bond refinancing on county finances.

The meeting concluded with reports from commissioners on various committee activities, including fundraising events, planning commission meetings, and discussions on salary adjustments and the early retirement program. The board also addressed upcoming events and policy notifications, with plans to reconvene on December 16.