Vallejo council approves $310,000 notice to fund iHeart; $341,000 navigation-center allocation narrowly advanced for later approval

The Vallejo City Council on Monday unanimously approved a notice of intent to amend the current fiscal-year budget to provide $310,000 in opioid-settlement funds to continue the iHeart mobile crisis response program, and later approved a second, separate notice of intent — 4 to 3 — to allocate $340,958 toward operations for the Vallejo Homeless Navigation Center.

The iHeart action was presented by Jason Ackley, assistant to the city manager, who described the funds as part of a state-distributed opioid settlement that the city has been holding in a restricted account. Ackley told council the city has received roughly $1.3 million in opioid settlement payments to date and outlined state restrictions on uses, including a requirement that half of funds expended each calendar year be devoted to “high-impact abatement activities.” He said iHeart’s mobile outreach and harm-reduction work fit the allowable categories for the settlement money.

Councilmembers pressed staff for details about the navigation center funding before voting. City staff reported there is roughly $6.3 million already committed by healthcare partners for the navigation center’s operations, but that project estimates had come in higher than anticipated — roughly $7.2 million for a two‑year contract — leaving a funding gap. Staff said additional Home ARP funds and other grants are expected, and that a contract for nav‑center operations will return for council review at the next meeting.

Councilmember discussion split over whether to approve both allocations together. Several councilmembers and members of the public urged continuing the iHeart program immediately. Councilmember Gordon stressed community support for iHeart and its partnerships with health and social‑services providers; other members, including Councilmember Matias, asked for clearer budgeting and performance reporting for the navigation center before allocating more general‑purpose dollars. The council ultimately split the two items into separate motions: the iHeart amendment passed unanimously; the nav‑center notice passed 4 to 3 and will return for a formal appropriation and contract action once staff present the contract and the additional funding plan.

Next steps: staff will bring the two‑year navigation‑center contract before council at the next meeting, including a recommended funding package that combines the opioid funds, existing healthcare partner commitments, and proposed Home ARP dollars. iHeart will receive the immediate $310,000 notice of intent to amend the FY24–25 budget, enabling payments to the Felton Institute under an amended contract to cover the current fiscal year’s gap.

Why it matters: the council used restricted opioid‑settlement funding to shore up locally provided harm‑reduction and homelessness services. The votes show bipartisan support for iHeart’s short‑term continuity but highlight ongoing concerns about long‑term nav‑center operations and the need for clearer operating budgets and reporting.