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Commission reallocates $200,000 in opioid settlement funds to purchase DARE cruisers for sheriff's office
Summary
After debate over using opioid settlement money for DARE officer salaries, commissioners voted to rescind a prior salary allocation and to reallocate $200,000 to purchase three vehicles and related equipment for DARE officers.
The Harrison County Commission approved a motion to rescind a prior allocation of $200,000 in opioid settlement funds previously earmarked for DARE officer salaries and to reallocate those funds to purchase cruisers and equipment for DARE officers.
Commissioners and county staff discussed concerns about tying opioid-settlement funds to an ongoing salary line that might lack sustainable long-term funding. Supporters of the vehicle purchase said cruisers would serve DARE officers for multiple years and addressed an immediate shortage of law-enforcement vehicles. Opponents cautioned that the school district and other partners should be consulted about sustaining any positions that had been expected to receive salary support.
Officials said the $200,000 should be sufficient to purchase and equip three vehicles, with any shortfall to be resolved through further county discussion if bids exceed estimates. The commission approved the reallocation by voice vote; staff noted the procurement and any budget adjustments would follow county purchasing rules and that any remaining opioid fund usage decisions would be reviewed by the opioid-committee process.
The action was one of several budget- and equipment-related items the commission considered during the meeting, and commissioners asked the sheriff and county administration to provide cost estimates and procurement timelines at a future meeting.
