Rowan County has made the difficult decision to decline a significant state grant, intended to establish a crucial local reentry council, citing profound uncertainties surrounding the program’s long-term financial viability. This development halts a much-anticipated initiative designed to assist formerly incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into the community, raising questions about the future of similar community programs reliant on state support.
The county had initially received $150,000 from the N.C. Department of Adult Corrections, earmarked for local staffing and to serve as an “intermediary agency.” In this role, the Rowan County administration would have acted as the fiscal agent, managing budgets, expenditures, contracts with local service providers, and coordinating the council’s activities while serving as a liaison with the NCDAC.
A major impediment emerged when state officials could not guarantee sustained grant funding beyond the initial year. Veteran Services Director Justan Mounts, who spearheaded the county’s efforts, highlighted that while the grant had the potential for $450,000 over three years, it required annual renewal requests, creating an unstable foundation for a long-term commitment.
The requirement to hire two case management positions for the reentry council further compounded the county’s concerns. Mounts indicated that the salaries available were “non-competitive,” making it challenging to attract and retain qualified staff. This issue was exacerbated by the revelation that the program’s funds stemmed from an unused line item from the previous year, with the state liaison expressing skepticism about the grant’s extension.
Mounts personally grappled with the “ethical conundrum” of bringing on employees for a program whose funding might cease in merely five or six months. This lack of certainty underscores a significant systemic challenge faced by local government entities attempting to implement critical social services without reliable multi-year financial assurances.
Reentry councils serve as vital, organized networks that connect and coordinate diverse community partners, offering essential resources to aid formerly incarcerated individuals. Nearby counties like Forsyth and Mecklenburg already operate successful councils, whose common members often include justice system officials, community colleges, vocational rehabilitation services, and mental health professionals, all working towards effective criminal justice reform.
Mounts openly expressed his disappointment, particularly given his commitment to “serving our at-risk communities” through initiatives like the Veterans Treatment Court. The return of this grant signifies a missed opportunity to expand vital community programs aimed at helping individuals reintegrate and avoid recidivism, a priority for local leaders.
The grant’s return will be formalized by retroactively declining the award and initiating a budget amendment during the upcoming Rowan County Board of Commissioners meeting. This incident highlights a broader issue where many programs, though not inherently at risk, struggle with confidence in future grant funding, a predicament often beyond the control of both county and state officials.
