Council to consider using opioid settlement interest to fund peer support and counseling in North Augusta

A resolution (2025-33) before the council would authorize use of North Augusta's share of South Carolina opioid settlement funds to support the Aiken Center's establishment of a peer support specialist and a licensed addiction counselor dedicated to North Augusta, and would allow the city to enter an MOU with the Aiken County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

City staff and the chief of public safety told council members the opioid settlement funding carries use restrictions similar to ARPA and can only be spent on abatement activities. "This funding, which can only be used in very specific ways, ... the opioid settlement money has also rules associated with that," Clifford said. Chief Johnson said the city has partnered with Margaret Key and the Aiken Center on a master plan to provide peer support and licensed addiction counseling within North Augusta so residents can access services locally instead of being referred to Aiken.

Chief Johnson said the proposed MOU term is three years, with a 60-day termination clause; staff noted the city currently has a little over $500,000 in opioid settlement funds and additional payments will continue over time. Council members expressed broad support and asked operational questions about where residents would go for services, outreach materials, and whether Narcan distribution and training could be part of local efforts. Chief Johnson and Margaret Key said cards and pamphlets would be provided to help connect people to services.

No formal council vote on the resolution was recorded at the study session; staff said the item will return for formal action.