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.