Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County awards contract to develop strategic plan for opioid settlement funds
Summary
The board approved a roughly $50,000 contract with Omni Institute to create a strategic plan for use of opioid settlement funds; county staff said no general-fund dollars are required for the planning contract.
Botetourt County supervisors approved a contract award to Omni Institute to develop a strategic plan guiding the use of opioid settlement dollars recovered by the county.
County attorney and staff explained the county has accumulated settlement receipts from national opioid litigation and that state and settlement rules restrict allowable uses. The board authorized staff to award a contract to Omni Institute for planning and recommended that the county pursue a supplemental state grant that would help cover the cost of the strategic plan. Omni's proposal was the lower of two bids received; staff recommended the Omni proposal for a 183-day completion timeline at $49,980.50.
Why it matters: The county has accumulated settlement dollars that must be spent in ways consistent with settlement terms and state guidance. A formal strategic plan establishes priorities and an approved framework for using the funds on prevention, treatment, recovery and other allowed activities.
County administrator John LaRue explained the plan will not use county general funds for the contract; staff said the county has applied for additional state opioid-distribution funds that could help offset planning costs. After brief discussion, the board approved the contract by voice vote.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article: John LaRue, county administrator; Omni Institute (bidder).
Ending: Staff will proceed with contracting and begin the strategic planning process; the board requested updates as the plan is developed and prior to any funding decisions.
