VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Vigo County Drug Court funding request for the Vigo County Council was once again discussed at Tuesday’s sunshine meeting.

As previously reported by mywabashvalley.com, Division 5 Judge Matthew Sheehan, who presides over the drug court, had requested roughly $25,000 to sustain operations through the rest of the calendar year.

Sheehan was not present at Tuesday’s meeting.

At the meeting, Chief Judge Chris Newton spoke to the council, expressing the opinion that the drug court is a crucial part of the county’s judicial system.

Newton referenced a potential streamlining process between the drug court and the veterans court, but did not elaborate on that process. He also referenced potential revenue sources in the future for the problem solving courts in Vigo County.

A federal grant for the court is set to expire later this month, and officials have said the court could cease operations if the funding is not approved.

The council is expected to vote on that funding next week on September 12 at its next meeting.