The council heard an update from the Department of Finance on opioid-settlement monies received by the township and discussed next steps for spending those funds within state-imposed limits.

Finance staff listed an opioid settlement line item in the agenda and said the township received $353,000 in a recent payment posted to the account. Council members asked about the total settlement pool available to the township; administration staff said the most recent total the township had tracked was roughly $14 million and asked for more time to provide a precise, current figure.

Council members and staff discussed allowable uses and procurement. Administration staff said the township had previously released a request for proposals (RFP) but that its scope did not align with the settlement's permissible uses. "We have to redo that," the business administrator said. The administration suggested the funding could support expanded substance-use programming, public-safety initiatives and enhanced senior services, but cautioned that the state-prescribed allowable activities and reporting requirements are strict and that the township will need to craft programs that comply.

Council member Coyle said he was "excited to see more opioid money come to Edison" and urged that education and outreach, particularly for teens and families, be part of any proposed spending plan. Administration staff said they will rework the RFP with the assistance of Mr. Roberts and that they will return to the council with a narrowed scope that fits the settlement rules and supports audit-ready reporting.

Why it matters: the opioid settlement funds create an opportunity to expand substance-use prevention and treatment locally, but state settlement terms restrict how money can be used and require careful procurement and reporting. The council asked for a tighter timeline and clearer next steps so the funds can be deployed effectively.

Next steps: the administration will refine the RFP language, identify program partners consistent with settlement rules and present a spending recommendation to the council for approval.