Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Opioid Abatement Mous Investigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners ask for documents, table retroactive MOUs after review finds missing board signatures and billing questions
Summary
Wagoner County commissioners moved to pause final approval of several opioid‑abatement memoranda of understanding, asked staff for documentation, and tabled ratification while an internal review continues; one partner refunded funds and withdrew from the program.
At the June 30 meeting the Wagoner County Board of Commissioners discussed retroactive memorandums of understanding (MOUs) tied to the county’s opioid‑abatement grant. Gabrielle Perry, the county’s grant consultant, presented four previously used MOUs: Beloved Under Grace, Abel Tutoring, Wagoner DUI Service and Wrap Project. Perry told commissioners the Wrap Project had withdrawn from the MOU and refunded all funds paid to the county.
The board’s compliance review, led by Perry and supported by county staff, found the MOUs had not been properly ratified by the Board of County Commissioners and that some documentation requested of subcontractors raised questions. Perry said she had asked for billing documentation from a third‑party provider that related to counseling services; she said no client‑level protected health information had been requested but that third‑party billing records were relevant to grant compliance. County staff said some payments had been made in the absence of a properly executed MOU signed by the board and that the county was investigating how that occurred.
Commissioner James moved to table final ratification of the listed MOUs and request the documents Perry had gathered so the board could review them; Commissioner Tim seconded. The motion carried by roll call. Commissioners instructed staff to collect the documentation and return with a formal report before any final ratification.
Why it matters: The opioid‑abatement grant carries federal and state compliance obligations; county officials said political subdivisions can be held responsible for misused grant proceeds if partners or contractors do not comply with the terms.
What the county will do next: Staff will compile the requested documentation, including MOUs, signatory pages and requested third‑party billing summaries (with protected health information redacted if necessary), and present findings to the board. The Wrap Project’s refund and withdrawal were recorded by staff; the remaining MOUs remain subject to review and formal ratification.
