SANDPOINT — To improve court efficiency and support victims of crime, Bonner County commissioners approved a new Drug Court testing contract and authorized the acceptance of a donation to a local family justice center. 

The Bonner County Drug Court was unanimously approved to enter into a contract with Tamarack Treatment, which will move testing out of the courthouse to allow bailiffs to perform other necessary duties.  

The contract will require Drug Court attendees to go to Tamarack Treatment on First Avenue in Sandpoint to provide urinalysis samples for either drug or alcohol testing, instead of providing samples at the Bonner County Courthouse.  

According to Drug Court coordinator Tori Cavender, the transition will give bailiffs the ability to perform other important services at the courthouse.  

Tamarack Treatment will be responsible for collecting $25 from clients at the first drug court of the month, along with the observation of urine collection, securing any presumptive positive tests and processing them for confirmation.  

The treatment facility will be given five dollars per client by the Bonner County Drug Court. The court will also be required to provide sample cups.  

According to the program's site, the Drug Court program is intended to provide a system of treatment and accountability for substance abuse/addiction offenders, meant to break the cycle of substance abuse/addiction and incarceration.  

LillyBrooke Family Justice Center was also approved to open its budget and distribute a $500 donation into their victim assistance fund.  

Following county procedure, LBFJC must be approved to formally open its budget to accept the donation.  

Attached with the $500 donation was a letter of appreciation for the justice center and its work with the community.  

“Thank you for all you do for the families in this community! Thank you,” the letter wrote.