Commissioners discuss applying for jail‑based medication for opioid use disorder grant; sheriff asked to provide assurances

County staff and the sheriff’s office discussed whether to apply for a Jail‑Based Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (JMOD) solicitation that opened in late August, with a draft county application due in October.

Lieutenant Kron, representing the sheriff’s office, said the solicitation is a formula grant that, if awarded, would provide two years of funding and largely mirror last year’s application but expand medical staffing and add a reentry support position to arrange medical appointments and Oregon Health Plan enrollment. “That person’s job duties would be setting up medical appointments, getting them on their OHP, and just making sure that that hand off happens back into the community,” Kron said.

Commissioner Coker cautioned that last year’s grant work became contentious and noted concerns about the sheriff’s office’s responsiveness to board requests for information. The board requested a special meeting before the Oct. 9 application due date with Sheriff Ward present to obtain written assurances that the sheriff’s office will provide the finance and operational cooperation needed to administer grant funds and reporting requirements. Staff said they could prepare a special meeting with 24‑ to 48‑hour notice.

Why it matters: The JMOD grant would fund medical staff and community reentry supports that county officials say help reduce gaps when people leave custody. Staff emphasized the county already provides some MOUD services but needs grant funds to avoid shifting general‑fund dollars away from other jail services.

Next steps: County staff will schedule a special meeting before the Oct. 9 deadline to obtain the sheriff’s assurances on access to records and cooperation for grant administration, then decide whether to submit the application.