Johnson County keeps coalition funding at $100,000, forms working group to map opioid funding strategy

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on March 27 voted 7-0 to keep a $100,000 annual allocation for the county’s Prevention and Recovery Coalition and to create a three-commissioner working group to develop an asset map and outcomes framework for spending the county’s opioid settlement funds.

Deputy County Manager Julie Kearns told the board that national Centers for Disease Control data predict a 24 percent drop in drug overdose deaths in the 12 months ending September 2024 and that Johnson County saw a decline in accidental and intentional drug-poisoning deaths for the first time since 2017. Kearns said the county’s revised estimate from the attorney general’s office is $9,630,000 in settlement receipts over 17 years and that staff recommend a steady annual spending target “around $600,000” to smooth unpredictable yearly receipts.

The vote followed presentations by department and agency representatives describing how prior opioid-settlement allocations have been used and requests for 2026 funding. Department requests included a full-time substance abuse counselor in the Department of Corrections to expand licensed therapeutic-community capacity from 50 to 62 beds and shift the program from a mandatory 180-day term to a performance-based pace. Earl Taylor, Department of Corrections, said the new counselor will allow “screening [of] misdemeanor clients for possible placement” and creation of reintegration beds for program graduates who relapse.

District Attorney Steve Howe described diversion work that served people with opioid or fentanyl problems, saying his office funded “one half of one position” through other grant revenue and was requesting county funds to cover the remainder and a salary shortfall created by merit increases. Laura Brewer, district court administrator for the Tenth Judicial District, said opioid funds subsidized drug-court drug testing and created a participant “needs and incentives” room; she reported 21 people currently enrolled and the court expects its first two drug-court graduates on May 15.

Kim Simano, chief toxicologist at the medical examiner’s office, described a 2024 start-up purchase and training for expanded toxicology testing; the office completed preliminary screening on 143 blood and 146 urine specimens using the new capabilities. Scott Serra of Johnson County MedAct described a community paramedic outreach and a plan for ambulances to carry and leave behind naloxone for recent overdose patients.

The sheriff’s office reported purchases intended to reduce exposure risk and improve safety: Narcan and belt holders for sworn personnel, mail scanners to screen incoming mail, powered air-purifying respirators, CPR face shields for staff, and downdraft tables for safe package handling. Commissioners raised questions about measurable outcomes and usage data for some purchases, including the mail scanners.

Representatives of the Prevention and Recovery Coalition (PRC) and Johnson County Mental Health said the coalition has grown to include health-care providers, schools, first responders and community advocates, with monthly meeting attendance of 30–40 and a distribution list of about 200. Sierra Wright reported the coalition’s “You Never Know” public awareness campaign has generated “over 9,000,000 views” since its March 2024 launch and substantial click-throughs to a campaign microsite. The coalition also described naloxone distribution, safe-disposal kits, a treatment-provider guide for residents, and a trauma-informed “Handle with Care” initiative for schools.

After discussion about outcomes, coordination with city and state grants, and how to protect frontline nonprofit providers, Chair Mike Kelly proposed, and the board approved, retaining the PRC allocation at $100,000 rather than increasing it to $200,000 at this time; continuing previously approved personnel requests (the corrections counselor and the district attorney diversion funding shortfall) and the county’s $100,000 annual allocation to United Community Services (UCS); and forming a working group of three commissioners — Commissioner Laura Brewer, Commissioner Hanslick, and Commissioner Fast — to work with the PRC and county staff to produce an asset map and an outcomes framework for how opioid-settlement and related funds should be spent. The board asked the group to report back with recommendations and metrics during the budget process.

The board clerk called the roll on the motion; Commissioners Fast, Myers, Brewer, Hanslick, Ashcraft, Allenbrand and Chair Kelly voted aye. The motion passed 7-0.

The board’s decision sends requested 2026 allocations into the regular budget process with the direction that staff and the newly formed working group develop clearer outcome measures, coordination with city and state grant streams, and an asset map showing current funding and service gaps. The county’s receipts to date, Kearns said, total about $3.4 million, with a current opioid fund balance of just over $2.2 million and additional receipts expected in future years.