Board reappropriates $20,000 to 10 7 Farms for peer‑recovery and outreach work; county staff and applicant outline past results

The Board approved a reappropriation of $20,000 to support 10 7 Farms, a local nonprofit that provides peer‑recovery, family‑support and outreach services related to substance use and mental‑health needs.

Tamika (last name not given), who represents 10 7 Farms in the meeting, described prior county investments and grant activity. She said a prior $17,000 county investment had been used to train peer‑recovery specialists and to secure additional grants and technical assistance that expanded services. In the current request, the county would reappropriate $20,000 from an existing Caroline Recovery Center line item to 10 7 Farms for program needs; board members discussed whether to fund $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000. The motion to reappropriate $20,000 (from the Caroline Recovery Center line item in the adopted FY24‑25 budget) passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: the applicant said the funds will support training of peer recovery specialists, youth‑mental‑health supports, family support services, and outreach activities such as resource tables at schools and engagement with residents who need help. The applicant said prior county support helped secure a larger $121,000 in reimbursements and grants tied to training and services.

Board discussion and conditions: supervisors and staff discussed reporting requirements and the complexity of federal grant reporting; a county staff member recommended limiting the amount taken from opioid‑settlement account lines unless necessary because that fund incurs heavier reporting requirements. The board’s reappropriation used an existing county account line tied to recovery services.

Next steps: Planning/finance staff will process the reappropriation and the nonprofit will report on expenditures as required by county grant or contracting procedures.