Citizens Advisory Committee
General Meetings
The Citizens Advisory Committee usually meets:
Third Friday of every month
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Law and Justice Center, Room 250
406 Fuller Avenue
Please check the agenda under the Meeting Agendas and Minutes link at the bottom of this page to verify date, time, and location as changes may be made to accommodate holidays and other conflicts.
About the CAC
The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was formed by order of the Board of County Commissioners in 2012 to act as an advisory group to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The primary purpose of the CAC is to solicit citizen input and make recommendations as part of the CJCC's responsibility to study and then make improvements to the local criminal justice system to achieve the highest levels of public safety and program cost and effectiveness.
The CAC has been successful in contributing to a number of issues important to the citizens of Lewis and Clark County:
- Researched, prepared, and presented reports to the CJCC on five unique criminal justice issues. Each of the five reports and the recommendations there-in were accepted unanimously by the CJCC and the County Commissioners.
- Actively supported the successful ballot initiatives approved by the electorate: a construction bond to remodel and expand the existing detention facility, and an operational mill levy for the development of programs to help manage the detention population growth and maintain public safety.
- Created the Department of Criminal Justice Services whose function it is to assist the courts and other county officials better manage existing, and implement new local criminal justice programs.
The CAC will continue to provide the advice and assistance of a citizen’s voice as we manage our way into the future.
Mission Statement
The CAC exists to provide citizen input into the safety of the citizens of Lewis and Clark County and ensure the equitable and efficient treatment of defendants, offenders, and victims.
CAC Members
The CAC is composed of professionals, service providers, stakeholders, and interested public totaling 13 members:
Tom Cordingley, Chair
Carolyn Belling, Vice Chair
Members:
Stephanie Ballenger-Brooks
Teresa Charlton
Tina Eblin
Karen English
Moffie Funk
Kathryn Hutchison
John Lytle
Mike Mahoney
Theresa Ortega
Joanne Romasko
Ex-Officio:
Judge Menahan, CJCC Chair