FUNDING FOR DRUG COURT STUDIED

(AP) Jackson County supervisors have created a committee to find money for
a drug court.

Circuit Judge Kathy Jackson told supervisors Monday that she would be
willing to start a drug court in Jackson County.

She said the program would cost between $100,000 and $150,000, contingent
on fees collected from participants.

"It works," Jackson told supervisors. "It's the best thing I've seen in
trying to help people change."

Supervisors Frank Leach and Manly Barton were authorized Monday to meet
with local judges to review the program and identify potential avenues for
funding.

The two supervisors and the judges are expected to present a report to the
board in two to three weeks.

"There's no opposition to this at all," Board of Supervisors President John
McKay told the judges. "We're committed to doing it, but we're not sure how
we're going to do it."

The 2003 Legislature passed a law that provides for drug court programs
statewide. Lawmakers did not include any funding.

Participants in drug court must have been indicted or arrested on drug
charges other than selling and cannot have a history of violent crime.

There are seven such courts already in existence in the state.