Council appoints two‑member task force to develop recommendations for opioid settlement funds

The Harpers Ferry Town Council on Aug. 11 approved a two‑person task force to advise the Budget & Finance committee on how the town should spend opioid settlement funds the town has received through statewide settlement distributions.

Council members said the funds are restricted and that the town needs a focused, expert review to propose compliant uses. The motion instructs the Budget & Finance committee to create a task force consisting of Council member Jesse Melton and Michael Zeliecki to explore eligible spending options and report back with recommendations.

Council discussion: Council members stressed the narrow allowable uses for settlement funds and asked the task force to consult public‑safety stakeholders. Council member David Simmons urged that the town coordinate with the Harpers Ferry volunteer fire/police boards (referred to during discussion as HFPB) and with the police department to identify equipment, training or prevention programs eligible under the settlement terms. Jesse Melton, who will serve on the task force, said the group plans public input and close coordination with the police department and other stakeholders.

Action: The motion to have Budget & Finance create the two‑person task force passed 7‑0.

Next steps: The task force will review settlement restrictions, consult with public‑safety leaders about needs, solicit public input on preventive and treatment‑oriented uses, and return recommendations to Budget & Finance for further council review. Council members emphasized a preference for prevention and services that reach people affected by opioid use disorder, including families connected to the town where feasible.