Pubdate: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 Source: Spokane Spokesman-Review (WA) Copyright: 2000 Cowles Publishing Company Contact: http://www.spokane.net/news.asp Author: Kevin Blocker COMMISSIONERS VOTE TO FUND DRUG COURT But Money Only Covers The Rest Of This Year; Future Uncertain Spokane County commissioners unanimously approved funding for the county's drug court program Tuesday, at least through the rest of the year. But commissioners didn't decide whether to continue paying for the program in 2001 and 2002. On Tuesday, commissioners agreed to spend $88,000 on the drug court for the last six months of this year -- which would kick in once federal grant funding expires. Supporters of the program also want $286,000 for the next two years. James Smith, drug court's project director, was ecstatic about the commissioners' decision. "I would like to compliment the commissioners' far-sightedeness and for their ongoing support to perpetuate a most worthwhile program that genuinely serves the citizens of our community,'' Smith said. Still, Commissioner Kate McCaslin said she wants to see if there is a way for the county to save more money in any future spending for drug court. "I'm still questioning whether the saving is as good as it should be,'' McCaslin said. "The numbers would appear to back that up, but we need to take an even closer look at them before deciding anything.'' Supporters of drug court say repeat drug offenders tie up the court system and take up jail space, which they say costs more than the amount of money spent for drug court. Most of the money to support treatment and drug testing comes from federal grants. However, local money is also critical to the program, Smith said. The federal grant that supports drug court expires June 30. The commissioners provided $16,667 to the drug court to be eligible for a $50,000 grant. The deadline for application is Friday. The potential $66,667 would fund the court from late June to early fall. For funding from the fall to the end of the year, the county provided $72,000. Drug court supporters said they need $143,000 per year for 2001 and 2002. The money could be paired with federal grants amounting to $300,000 per year. The 4-year-old program emphasizes drug treatment over jail for nonviolent drug offenders. Roughly 60 people a year are enrolled in the program. The rate of people who reoffend ranges from 5 percent to 8 percent a year for those who complete the year-long program. It's about 18 percent for those who don't graduate, according to Spokane County Superior Court Judge Tari Eitzen. Eitzen oversees the operation of drug court this year. Six more people are scheduled to graduate from the program in her courtroom Feb. 28, she said. The court consist of law enforcement and parole officers, attorneys and judges who give convicted drug users a chance to quit drugs and straighten out their lives while avoiding a jail term. - --- MAP posted-by: Allan Wilkinson