Warren County’s drug court numbers have dropped over the last few years and as a result, state funding has been slashed causing a deficit for the program.

Retiring judge Isadore Patrick met Monday with the Warren County Board of Supervisors during their work session to discuss the program and assistance with funding from the county.

Patrick asked the board to help fund the salary of one probation officer at a cost of about $63,000-plus. The drug court has three probation officers — two male and one female. He said funding the position will help make up the current deficit.

The drug court in Warren County has been around for about 13 years, according to Patrick, and was funded through the state at about $225,000.

“It’s a very good program in terms of what it offers to the citizens of Warren County,” Patrick said. “Rich, poor, whatever, have come through our program.”

He said the state restructured the drug court program.

“We lost some of our funding because of the restructuring,” Patrick said.

He said funding in each county was based upon the number of people in the drug court program. Currently, Warren County has 70-plus people in the drug court program.

“We need 150 in the program to put funding back to $225,000,” Patrick said. He added the drug court program is working with the district attorney’s office to increase the numbers.

He said people who are on probation and considered non-violent can enter into the drug court program.

Patrick said the drug court program has been wonderful, not only across the state, but in Warren County and he would like to see it continue.

“In terms of keeping people out of jail, making sure they get a job and getting the care they need,” Patrick said. “It’s a benefit to the county.”

He said the next drug court graduation is Dec. 13 and encourages people “to see your tax dollars at work.

“It’s so rewarding when families come to you and thank you for giving them their daughter back or their son back to them,” Patrick said.