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Commissioners approve $3.26 million accounts-payable list; board asks for audit of opioid-abatement spending
Summary
The board approved the accounts-payable list totaling $3,261,249.90 and questioned a monthly opioid-abatement fund payment of $24,221 tied to a medication-assisted treatment LPN. Staff said the county’s opioid special revenue fund holds about $3.5–4 million, including recent state installments and a pending $2 million grant under review by DHHS.
Rockingham County commissioners voted to approve the accounts-payable list totaling $3,261,249.90 and discussed the county’s opioid-abatement revenues and planned uses.
During discussion of the accounts-payable list, a commissioner asked about a $24,221 line item described as an opioid-abatement fund charge. Finance staff explained the amount reflects the county’s dedicated monthly payment for a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) licensed practical nurse (LPN). The board asked for an informational report on the opioid-abatement fund’s balance and spending plan.
Finance staff said the county recently received about $81,000 from the state opioid abatement trust fund and is still working with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to clarify requirements for drawing down a $2 million grant. The senior director estimated the county’s opioid special revenue fund holds roughly $3.5 million to $4 million in total, including prior installments.
Why it matters: Commissioners said they want the opioid-abatement committee to resume regular meetings to evaluate fund uses in the context of the coming budget process. Several members noted that the abatement fund is intended to support treatment and related categories defined by the settlement guidance.
Votes and follow-up: The accounts-payable motion passed with affirmative votes. Commissioners directed staff to assemble an informational report and to restart the opioid-abatement committee meetings, possibly on a bimonthly schedule beginning in March.
Quotes: “It might be an opportunity to…transition or use some of those resources even more so for MAT or other opportunities that directly relate to the intent of this abatement fund,” a commissioner said.
Next steps: Finance staff will provide a detailed report on the opioid special revenue fund and the status of the $2 million grant handling with DHHS; commissioners plan to reconvene the abatement committee.
