Sagadahoc County approves $26,700 from opioid settlement to help keep Tedford warming center open

Sagadahoc County commissioners voted on March 11 to allocate $26,700 from the county's opioid-settlement funds to help cover an operating shortfall at the Tedford Housing warming center in Brunswick.

The Board of Health had asked the commissioners to appropriate $45,000 from opioid-settlement money to support the center. Dr. Melissa, a presenter from the Board of Health, told commissioners the facility faces a roughly $89,000 funding gap and that the board had voted unanimously to request $45,000 from Sagadahoc County. Tenford Housing's executive director, Giff, described the center's services and connections to substance-use resources, naloxone on-site and sharps disposal containers.

Commissioners debated how regional partners should share costs. Commissioner Steve said he was sympathetic but questioned why surrounding counties had not committed funds and suggested the county should avoid being the primary fund-raiser for a center located in another county. Commissioner Todd said a smaller Sagadahoc contribution could be appropriate if other counties followed up. The board discussed whether the Board of Health should lead outreach to other counties or whether Tenford Housing should pursue that directly.

After discussion, a commissioner moved and a second amended the motion to allocate $26,700 — approximately 30 percent of the $89,000 shortfall — from opioid-settlement funds. The motion passed on a voice vote.

The county funding is intended to cover operating costs through the warming center's current season; Tenford Housing said the facility opened Nov. 25 and is scheduled to close April 15. The center's maximum capacity is 35 people; recent nights have seen occupancy near capacity and the program has served families as well as individuals. Under the state grant Tenford used to operate the site, the center is required to be open seven days a week; presenters said the operating window is 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The organization reported that it has installed a sprinkler system and awaits final inspection before allowing overnight sleeping mats.

Commissioners did not commit to writing letters to neighboring counties on Tenford's behalf at this meeting and several said they preferred Tenford or the Board of Health pursue municipal and county partners directly. The Board of Health had previously asked permission to send letters asking Brunswick, Cumberland County, Androscoggin County and Lincoln County for supplemental support; Cumberland County had reportedly declined when asked directly prior to the meeting.

The action does not change the county's formal role beyond the one-time appropriation. Commission discussion emphasized that the funding covers an operating deficit and facility upgrades already incurred and does not constitute a long-term, permanent budget commitment.

Votes at a glance: the commissioners approved the $26,700 allocation by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.