Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gilroy to issue exploratory RFP for opioid-settlement funds after community push to keep money local
Summary
Council authorized staff to issue an exploratory request for proposals to identify programs eligible for approximately $237,000 in opioid settlement funds; community speakers urged rapid funding to local nonprofits for overdose prevention and recovery services.
The Gilroy City Council unanimously authorized staff to issue an exploratory request for proposals to solicit programs that could use roughly $237,000 in opioid settlement funds the city holds.
Staff said the settlement funds are restricted to specific allowable uses and that the city has previously used small amounts for items such as naloxone (Narcan) for city staff. Because many eligible categories are services the city does not itself provide, staff recommended an exploratory RFP to solicit proposals from community-based organizations and service providers; proposals would be evaluated against allowable uses and returned to council for final funding decisions.
Several community speakers requested the city move quickly and keep the funds in Gilroy. Anne Marie McCauley, who said she is the South County representative for Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths, urged council to “give our local organizations the opportunity to apply for this funding.” Vanessa Ashford, who said she works directly in encampments and reentry communities, told council the city needs trusted messengers and rapid local support, saying, “We have people overdosing today.” Sam Brown, another community worker, asked that funds remain in Gilroy and be distributed to community-based organizations and trusted messengers to prevent overdose and support recovery.
Staff said the exploratory RFP is an unorthodox approach relative to typical procurement but would allow the city to compare possible local programs against the settlement administrators’ allowable categories. After proposals are evaluated, staff will return to council with recommendations and proposed contract terms that include reporting and oversight consistent with settlement requirements.
Councilmember Marks moved and Councilmember Fugazi seconded the motion to authorize issuance of the exploratory RFP. The roll call vote was unanimous: Bracco, Klein, Fugazi, Hilton, Marks and Mayor Bozzo voted yes.
Staff noted the city received an unsolicited proposal from a local nonprofit but cited procurement and fairness concerns as rationale for a competitive, exploratory solicitation. The council’s authorization directs staff to proceed with the RFP and report back with recommended recipients and contract terms.
