Wayne County allocates $2.76M opioid settlement funds for recovery and prevention programs

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners convened on July 15, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the allocation of opioid settlement funds and the declaration of surplus property.

The meeting commenced with a discussion regarding the opioid settlement funds, totaling $2,760,707, which Wayne County plans to allocate according to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the state of North Carolina. The funds are earmarked for various strategies aimed at addressing the opioid crisis from August 2025 through July 2028. The proposed expenditures include:

1. **Wayne County Sheriff's Office**: $406,032 for juvenile detective and drug curriculum instruction roles.
2. **Wayne County Public Schools**: $485,139 for a comprehensive student screening process.
3. **Hope Center Ministries**: $440,496 to enhance recovery services.
4. **4 Day Movement**: $150,000 for temporary housing and support services.
5. **ATS**: $75,000 for medication-assisted treatment for underinsured residents.
6. **CALM**: $243,000 for community outreach coordination.
7. **Cry Freedom Ministries**: $10,000 for Narcan distribution and training.
8. **Wayne County Health Department**: $450,000 for a post-overdose response program.
9. **Hope Restorations**: $318,000 for supporting individuals recovering from addiction or incarceration.
10. **Wayne County Detention Center**: $183,040 for medication-assisted treatment services.

The board emphasized that these funds stem from settlements with opioid manufacturers and pharmacies, and the resolution to authorize these expenditures was a necessary step in the ongoing process of addressing the opioid epidemic in the county.

Following the opioid funding discussion, the board moved on to declare surplus property, authorizing a public auction scheduled for August 2025. This auction will include various items such as vehicles and outdoor equipment, with the auctioneer contract awarded to RDD Auction Company LLC.

The meeting also included a motion to delegate staff as authorized representatives for managing grant and loan submissions related to the Division of Water Infrastructure, ensuring that finance staff can make requisition requests for reimbursement.

Additionally, the board reviewed amendments to the Wayne County personnel policy, primarily updating language for modernization, with a notable new addition regarding employee privacy expectations.

Lastly, the commissioners discussed appointing a voting delegate and an alternate for the upcoming North Carolina Association of County Commissioners annual conference, with recommendations made for the positions.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the county's proactive approach to managing opioid settlement funds and surplus property while ensuring that personnel policies remain current and relevant. The board's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to address community needs and enhance public services in Wayne County.