During the Scotland County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) budget meeting held on June 26, 2025, discussions centered on the allocation of funds for housing and mental health services, highlighting the need for a more efficient approach to address the county's pressing issues, particularly opioid addiction.

A key point raised was the current funding structure for two overlapping programs that provide housing and counseling services. Commissioners noted that both programs serve a similar population and employ social workers who perform comparable tasks. The suggestion was made to create a separate funding pool that these programs could draw from when clients require additional support, rather than simply increasing their budgets by $10,000 or $20,000.

Concerns were expressed about the potential misallocation of funds, particularly regarding housing. One commissioner emphasized the importance of not allowing the budget to become overly focused on housing at the expense of addressing substance abuse treatment. The discussion highlighted that while the county has invested in housing initiatives, there is a risk of merely providing shelter without addressing the underlying issues of addiction.

The meeting revealed that the two programs currently serve only nine clients, raising questions about the effectiveness of the funding model. Commissioners pointed out that the number of staff members involved in these programs exceeds the number of clients served, prompting a reevaluation of how resources are utilized. The need for a more strategic approach to funding was emphasized, suggesting that basic operational costs should be covered while encouraging programs to seek additional funding through grants and fundraising efforts for ancillary expenses.

In conclusion, the BOCC meeting underscored the necessity for a comprehensive review of funding allocations for housing and mental health services in Scotland County. As opioid use continues to be a significant concern, the board's discussions reflect a commitment to ensuring that resources are effectively directed toward impactful solutions that address both housing and addiction treatment. The next steps will likely involve further analysis of program effectiveness and potential restructuring of funding strategies to better serve the community's needs.