The Ways and Means Committee on June 12 approved a contract amendment to fund Oxford House-related work, including after-hours placements managed by Family of Woodstock, using funds identified from an opioid summit allocation.

A committee member asked for clarification: "Can you tell me more about this program? Like, is this after hours?" A staff reply said, "Yes. These are the after hour placements that Family of Woodstock makes after DSS closes." Committee members asked how much of the contract would cover administrative costs to Family of Woodstock and how much would pay for program expenses. A staff speaker said they did not have the administrative-cost figures on hand and agreed to provide them after the meeting.

Leader Roberts told the committee the funds are coming from the opioid summit allocation and asked about timing and billing. A county speaker said Oxford House is "looking right now. They're trying to, do it as fastly as they can, but it's expected before the end of the year." The county representative added that initial costs for searching for a home and setting up spaces "is all gonna be to this initial contract," and that Oxford House as a nonprofit is intended to be self-sustaining once the houses are up and running.

A committee member asked whether Oxford House would replace a prior program. A county speaker responded, "No. So Oxford House sits independently. So the idea is that, this won't get continuing ongoing support... once everything is up and running, they won't receive ongoing support as the expectation." The speaker described the Oxford House model as a democratically run, tenant-managed residence where members split costs and vote on operations.

Actions: The committee moved to amend and approve the contract as presented and then to adopt a resolution authorizing the contract as amended. The transcript records the motion to amend, a second, a motion to adopt the resolution with the contract as amended, and the chair calling the vote: "All those in favor? Aye. Opposed? No. Carry." The contract will be funded from the opioid summit allocation and will cover initial search and setup costs; the transcript shows the county expects to begin payments "almost immediately" as costs are incurred.

Why it matters: The contract provides immediate funding for after-hours placements and for establishing Oxford House residences, which county speakers said should reduce gaps in shelter and recovery housing after Department of Social Services hours.

What's next: Staff agreed to provide the committee with follow-up detail about administrative costs to Family of Woodstock and timing of vendor billing; committee members will monitor implementation and location establishment through the remainder of the year.