Bell County approves opioid settlement agreement with Kroger valued over $11M

In a meeting held on December 2, 2024, the Bell County Commissioner’s Court convened to discuss several key issues impacting the community, including land development, school safety, and opioid settlement agreements.

The session began with a presentation regarding a new property development by Kavan Investments, which is set to have significant frontage on Interstate 35. The property, spanning five acres, is positioned to accommodate on-site septic systems and is free from floodplain concerns. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has granted a 50-foot access point for the development, ensuring connectivity to the highway. The court unanimously approved the development plans, signaling a positive step towards enhancing local infrastructure.

Next on the agenda was the approval of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Moody Independent School District (ISD) Police Department and the Bell County Sheriff’s Department. This MOU is crucial as Moody ISD is establishing its own police department, necessitating coordination with local law enforcement due to overlapping jurisdictions. The agreement, which has already received approval from Sheriff Lane, aims to enhance safety and communication within the district. The court also noted that other ISDs in the area, such as Solado ISD, have similar agreements in place.

The meeting also addressed a significant settlement agreement related to the opioid crisis. The court considered authorizing the county judge to execute a settlement participation agreement with the Texas Attorney General’s office concerning a statewide opioid settlement with Kroger. This agreement allows Bell County to potentially receive a share of the $11.3 million settlement, which will be distributed over the next ten years. The funds are earmarked for addressing the opioid crisis locally, although the exact amount Bell County will receive remains uncertain. The court expressed optimism about the financial relief this settlement could provide, despite the complexities involved in the distribution process.

As the meeting concluded, the discussions highlighted the court's commitment to improving community safety, infrastructure, and health resources. The decisions made during this session are expected to have lasting impacts on Bell County, paving the way for future developments and collaborations aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents.