Mahoning County commissioners voted to direct $75,000 from opioid settlement funds to the county felony drug court and $35,000 to the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board on Oct. 23, during a regularly scheduled meeting.

Judge Durkin, who leads the county’s felony drug court, told commissioners the program was among the state’s earliest and remains a long-running treatment court. “In the 28 years that we've been operating, we have seen over 1,600 people successfully complete the program,” Durkin said, and he cited a recidivism rate he described as “less than 9 percent.”

The commissioners and program officials said the allocations will support program operations including random drug testing, sober-living housing and peer-recovery supports. Durkin described those needs during the meeting, saying the funds will help participants who “come in without family support” find housing and services.

Why it matters: commissioners framed the vote as using one-time settlement money to bolster local treatment and recovery infrastructure. Several commissioners praised the court’s long record. One said the model is “money well worth” supporting, noting the program’s role in providing vocational, educational and behavioral-health services as part of rehabilitation.

Details and use of funds: county staff and Judge Durkin listed line items for the money: random drug testing, sober living placements, and peer-support recovery services. Durkin and the Mental Health and Recovery Board also thanked county staff and outside providers — including OOD, Flying High, Meridian, TASK and TRAVCO — for program partnerships and participant supports.

The item passed as part of a group of resolutions approved by roll call; commissioners recorded unanimous yes votes on the package. The meeting record shows the vote came under resolutions labeled b (opioid funds to the Mental Health and Recovery Board, $35,000) and c (opioid funds to the felony drug court, $75,000). The board’s action directs staff to release those settlement funds for the stated program purposes.

Votes at a glance (key actions taken Oct. 23):
• Opioid settlement — $35,000 to Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board (resolution b) — approved.
• Opioid settlement — $75,000 to Mahoning County felony drug court (resolution c) — approved.
• Second amendment with Involta LLC (ARC) for IRU to extend county fiber to Veterans Services Commission building, $117,875 — approved.
• Grant applications: Edward Byrne JAG application, $104,844.19 (25% match from sheriff’s budget) and Recovery Ohio application, $100,001.39 (no match) — approved to proceed.
• Misc. consent items approved included advertisement for rebid of Poland Village Pedestrian Bridge, a Pictometry Connect license renewal ($3,300), vehicle repair estimate ($5,244.44), and a probate court remodeling change order ($1,820).

Background: Commissioners said the opioid-settlement funds are a limited, one-time source and have prioritized recovery and treatment programs locally. During discussion, commissioners and program leaders said they hoped the funds would be applied where they could produce long-term benefits for participants and reduce recidivism.

The board approved the package by roll call and moved on to remaining agenda items.