Court approves accounting code change for opioid settlement funds, plans screening committee

Pulaski County Fiscal Court approved changing the county’s internal accounting code for opioid abatement settlement funds to align with state guidance and discussed forming a local screening committee to vet proposed projects.

County staff said opioid abatement payments to counties will continue for at least 20 years as part of settlements with national manufacturers and pharmacies; the court was told different counties had been using varying internal fund codes. Staff recommended and the court approved moving the county’s current fund number (previously 79) to Fund 704 per Department for Local Government suggestions to standardize reporting across Kentucky.

Magistrate Ranshaw moved and Magistrate Williams seconded a motion to change the fund code; the motion passed. Court members also discussed establishing a screening committee to review applications for opioid-abatement projects and the need for state review before disbursing funds. The judge said staff will coordinate with Martin’s office to set up that committee and invited volunteers from the magistrates to serve; no final membership list was adopted at the meeting.

Officials emphasized strict eligibility criteria and the importance of submitting proposals that will survive state review to avoid required repayments.