The Hempstead County Quorum Court met for their February meeting tonight and approved the appropriation of the RSAT grant budget. RSAT (Residential Substance Abuse Treatment) is an in-custody treatment program where participants spend the first 90 days in the Hempstead County Detention Center and then nine months at the residential Banner Hope center. This program is modeled after one in Severe County who is in its sixth year and has had great results. Ordinance 2022-2 called for the appropriation of $133,385 for the RSAT grant budget and the anticipated revenue is for the same amount. This is a two-year grant that is also reimbursable.

The Quorum Court members discussed details of the program, and after a few questions about budgeting and liability, most commented about the benefits of having a residential treatment program in the county. Ben Hale, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighth North Judicial District, shared the benefits of such a program from a prosecutor’s standpoint by saying this was a great alternative for those who don’t qualify for Drug Court or DDC. He also said, “With limited resources, we need to do what makes the most sense for taxpayers.” Court members voted on and unanimously approved the ordinance.

Just before adjourning the meeting, Judge Jerry Crane shared with everyone that it is not quite time to move into the new courthouse yet, but next week guided tours will be available to the public. JP Steve Atchley said daytime tours will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 3pm, and evening tours will be available on Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm.

You can watch the full Hempstead County Quorum Court meeting on SWARK.Today by clicking HERE.