Title
Joint resolution authorizing an additional Senior Victim Specialist for the State’s Attorney’s Office to staff a newly consolidated Domestic Violence courtroom, at an estimated cost of approximately $64,000 for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026.
Staff Summary
• The Courts have indicated they will be consolidating all felony Domestic Violence cases into a singular courtroom in May of 2026. This consolidation is intended to develop specialized expertise in these cases and enhance coordination.
• This consolidation presents staffing challenges with respect to the State’s Attorneys victim services division. Therefore, the State’s Attorney’s Office is requesting an additional Senior Victim Specialist, Grade Salary 9, to focus their efforts on the cases within the new Domestic Violence courtroom.
• In addition to salary and benefit costs, the request includes funds to procure a computer and phone equipment to accommodate the new position.
• Due to the timing of this courtroom consolidation, this position was not included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget
• Currently, no additional funding is allocated. However, depending on other vacancies and expenditures in the department, it may be necessary to augment the State’s Attorney’s budget with the budgeted salary contingency closer to the end of the fiscal year.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Courts have indicated they will be consolidating all felony Domestic Violence cases into a singular courtroom in May of 2026; and
WHEREAS, this consolidation will streamline case management and promote consistency, but it creates staffing challenges for the State’s Attorney’s Office; and
WHEREAS, to prepare for this change, the State’s Attorney’s Office is requesting one Senior Victim Specialist, Grade Salary 9, to focus their efforts on the cases within a new consolidated Domestic Violence courtroom; and
WHEREAS, in addition to salary and benefit costs, the request includes funds to procure computer and phone equipment to accommodate the new position; and
WHEREAS, no additional funding is allocated at this time but may become necessary closer to the end of the fiscal year, to be funded from the budgeted salary contingency.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, the State’s Attorney’s Office is authorized an increase in headcount by one Senior Victim Specialist to staff newly consolidated Domestic Violence cases.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on March 10, 2026.