Mono County staff reported to the Board of Supervisors that the county has received opioid settlement funds and that a cross-departmental working group is drafting a spending plan consistent with California Department of Health Care Services guidance.

Mary Snyder, who presented the update, said Mono County has received settlements from several opioid manufacturer cases and that, as of June 30, 2025, the county's opioid settlement account balance is roughly $250,000. Snyder said some nationwide opioid settlements will distribute funds for many years and that revenue estimates beyond the near term are subject to change.

Snyder reviewed the state guidance that governs allowable uses. The guidelines specify eligible activities including treating opioid use disorder; supporting people in treatment and recovery; connecting people to care; addressing needs of people involved in the criminal justice system; supporting pregnant and parenting families (including neonatal abstinence syndrome services); preventing overprescription; preventing misuse and overdose; purchasing naloxone for distribution; first-responder training and equipment; and leadership, planning and research. Snyder said the state requires at least 50% of funds be spent on "high-impact abatement activities," which the state describes to include substance use disorder treatment operations, diversion programs from the justice system, and expanded naloxone access, among other interventions.

Snyder and board members described a working group that includes Behavioral Health, Health and Human Services, Probation and the Sheriff's Department. The working group is preparing the county's annual plan and the required report to state health authorities. Snyder said some uses are more feasible for Mono County than others because of scale: for example, large research projects are difficult locally without university partnerships.

Supervisor Peters asked whether school-based prevention programs are eligible; Snyder said such uses can be allowed but that existing programs funded by other sources could create a supplantation issue. Robin Roberts, Director of Behavioral Health, said the county already operates prevention programs in schools through other funding streams and that using settlement funds to replace existing funding (supplantation) would not comply with the guidance.

Board members discussed priorities and options. Snyder said the county has ideas in play, including expanding treatment access and diversion programs for justice-involved individuals, but that the county will need to prioritize because annual receipts are modest relative to needs. The county must spend each settlement receipt within five years of receipt, Snyder said, and an annual report to the state will be required.

Ending: The board asked staff to continue planning work through the established working group and to bring specific program proposals and the annual report timetable back to a future agenda item.