The Hampshire County Commission authorized county staff Tuesday to submit an invoice for a State Department of Health EMS equipment award and approved administrative sign-ups to participate in recent opioid settlement opportunities.
Clerk informed commissioners the State Department of Health’s Office of Emergency Medical Services awarded the county $90,909.09 from the EMS equipment fund and asked for authorization to submit the required invoice. The clerk said items purchased with the funds must be invoiced and expended by June 30, 2026, and that documentation of expenditures will be required. Commissioners authorized the clerk to prepare and submit the invoice.
The clerk also told the commission that the county may enroll as a public entity to participate in a new Purdue Pharma (Sackler family) settlement and a separate national opioid settlement involving multiple companies. The clerk said the deadlines for the electronic sign-up are Sept. 30 for the Purdue-related notice and Oct. 8 for the other settlement. The commission authorized the clerk to complete the necessary administrative steps to sign the county up for the settlements.
The nut graf: County officials approved both administrative steps to secure potential federal and settlement funds—direct EMS equipment grant funds and potential opioid settlement distributions—and instructed the clerk to proceed with invoicing and enrollment so the county can claim available dollars.
Commissioners discussed that the EMS funds appear to have limited strings attached beyond proper documentation and invoicing, and that the award is distributed to counties statewide. Commissioner Brill said the clerk should ensure proper documentation and consult the auditor’s office if needed. On the opioid settlements, commissioners authorized Clerk to proceed with the electronic sign-up and agreed the action does not obligate the county to accept terms beyond registering interest.
Clerk said the county already participates in prior opioid funds and that these sign-ups will place Hampshire County in the eligible pool for upcoming distribution processes. The motion to authorize the clerk to handle administrative enrollment and invoicing passed unanimously.