The prosecutor's office told Cole County commissioners on Dec. 11 that anticipated cuts to VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding could reduce grant revenue by as much as 40% and put two VOCA‑funded advocate positions at risk.

"I do know that we are one of very, very few offices. We might be actually the only office in the state that has two VOCA funded advocate positions," Speaker 8 said, describing high uncertainty about how state‑level VOCA cuts will be distributed. The prosecutor's office said it had already reduced its VOCA revenue line from $85,000 to $27,000 in anticipation of cuts.

Speaker 8 urged commissioners to consider converting a vacant part‑time advocate/attorney role to full time to address caseload pressures. The office provided salary estimates ranging from about $70,000 for an entry‑level hire to $95,000–$100,000 for a much more experienced attorney; Speaker 2 calculated that moving a part‑time post to full time at $70,000 would cost roughly an additional $40,000 after benefits and payroll taxes, while a $95–100K hire would add about $70,000 in total personnel costs.

The office warned of operational and legal risks if victim advocate services were reduced. "If we lost our victim advocate services, that would be a huge, huge problem for the office," Speaker 8 said, noting victim notification and support tasks required under the victim's bill of rights in the Missouri constitution. The prosecutor said losing staff could make the office unable to keep victims updated on case status and court dates.

Commissioners discussed where conversion costs would be paid. Speaker 2 said the budget as drafted includes reduced VOCA revenue and that maintaining two funded positions under those assumptions would increase general‑fund exposure. Speaker 8 said the office would try to hire at the low end of the pay scale (including recruiting recent law graduates) and would consult the District Attorneys Association and the office's executive director for more information on anticipated cuts; Speaker 8 planned calls with the association and congressional delegation in February.

Outcome and next steps: Commissioners indicated support for converting the vacant part‑time position to full time in principle and discussed using a midrange salary ($75,000) as a placeholder while the prosecutor seeks clarity on VOCA reductions. The prosecutor will provide updated information after contacting the association and the county will incorporate any net changes into the finalized budget materials for the Jan. 8 meeting.