(Estherville)—The Emmet County Board of Supervisors Tuesday heard an appeal from CAASA Executive Director, Stephanie Henrich, regarding the board’s decision not to provide funding to the organization in Fiscal Year 2027. CAASA had received $2,500 in the 2026 Fiscal Year. Henrich says CAASA is currently providing services to nearly two dozen sexual assault survivors in Emmet County.

Henrich says CAASA is recognized by the state as the sexual assault agency for northwest Iowa.

Henrich says Emmet County is one of only two counties not to provide funding for CAASA. The other is Clay County which discontinued funding after the 2024 floods. The Supervisors did provide funding to the Family Crises Centers which deals with domestic and sexual abuse victims.

Supervisor Jeff Quastad said it was a difficult decision but the county is in a tough place due to the budget.  The board discussed the possibility of CAASA using office space in the courthouse for their local advocate when space becomes available as the Engineer’s Office will be moving to its new building later this summer.