Citing a lack of guidance from the state, Wood County commissioners approved the transfer of funds from the district attorney’s office to the county treasurer Tuesday.

The $175,000 grant is part of a push by the state legislature to add funding for rural sheriff’s offices and DAs to help retain staff.

In the case of the funds going to DAs, they may be used to boost salaries for assistant district attorneys, investigators and victim’s assistance coordinators.

District Attorney Angela Albers said she wanted to ensure the funds are accounted for properly.

The grant covers the current fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2023, though the grants weren’t available until January, and the funds were received in March.

The salary supplements will be added to the payroll for those positions through the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30, when the grant expires.

County Auditor Terri Sellars said there will be a small cost to the county for unemployment and worker’s compensation insurance.

The grant will cover other payroll costs, such as health insurance, withholding and retirement.

Commissioner Russell Acker wanted assurances that the employees understood that this could be a one-time deal if the legislature does not renew the grants.

“We don’t know what the legislature is going to do,” he said. “That’s the problem.”

“In the 2026 budget, it may not exist,” said County Judge Kevin White.

Albers said she has explained that to those receiving the funds.

In communicating with other counties, she noted others have handled it differently, such as a lump sum payment.

She said she did not want to do that, as an employee might get that check and then leave the office.

How the funds are used are up to the discretion of the district attorney, within the law’s guidelines.

But the lack of guidance came in how they would be accounted for.

The sheriff’s office garnet will not be used for salaries, since Wood County’s pay scale is above the minimum threshold set by the law. It can be used for equipment and training.

Albers said she would present a special budget for the funds for commissioners to approve at the next meeting.

Commissioners approved a new development, Whispering Pines, an 8-lot subdivision off County Road 2766 that will include no new roads. New Hope utility district will supply water.