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Committee forwards $1.298 million DOJ award to full council to expand opioid work
Summary
The committee voted to send to the full council an authorization to accept and expend a Department of Justice grant (about $1.298 million) intended to expand opioid-related outreach, add a clinician, fund data work and support related training and contracts.
The Budget & Finance Committee on March 12 voted to forward to the full council an authorization to expend a Department of Justice grant of roughly $1,298,700 that city staff said will augment the city’s opioid-response work.
What staff said Planning staff described the award as a DOJ grant to supplement the city’s opioid settlement program. The budget shown to the committee allocates funds for a clinician position, 20% of a police data analyst’s salary, certification and training for recovery coaches, outreach supplies and contracts with local partners — including community-based outreach providers and evaluators.
Why it matters: The DOJ grant would add staffing and program capacity to Lawrence’s opioid-response network at a time when the city reports ongoing overdose and fatality counts.
Action taken - Motion: Send authorization to accept and expend the DOJ award to the full council with a favorable recommendation. - Outcome: Committee approved and will forward the authorization for council action.
Clarifying details requested Committee members asked staff to provide grant application documents and partner lists; staff said the award includes funding for an administrative team, training reimbursements, outreach supplies and a vehicle retrofit for non‑arrest transport to recovery services.
Ending: The committee’s favorable report sends the DOJ award to the full council for final authorization and contracting.
