DeKalb committee defers decision on first-round opioid settlement allocations after questions on process and housing needs

The Planning, Economic Development and Community Services (PECS) Committee deferred a proposed disbursement of opioid settlement funds after multiple commissioners requested more detail on how the money would be allocated and a clearer role for the county’s behavioral health coalition.

County staff told the committee the draft allocation would direct roughly $1,343,742 to Claretel Behavioral Health, $620,035 to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and $434,354 to DeKalb County Public Health, with the initial plan focused on distributing Narcan, training and related life‑saving supplies. The staff presentation said the county had received approximately $4,400,000 in opioid settlement funds to date and proposed allocating about $2,400,000 in this first round.

Committee members supported immediate, life‑saving purchases but pressed for a more transparent process and coordination with an existing behavioral health coalition. Commissioner Ted Terry said Narcan and training are urgent but argued the county also needs more transitional and supportive housing to avoid “a revolving door” of people returning to crisis after treatment. Commissioner Terry said residential treatment programs funded with past federal dollars showed strong outcomes and urged the county to consider long‑term recovery capacity alongside urgent purchases.

Several commissioners asked for a public application process and a line‑item budget showing how each agency would spend its allocation. Staff said they plan to open a formal application process for outside partners later and noted there are agencies already expressing interest in additional funding. Commissioners also asked whether municipal providers and county departments, such as DeKalb Fire and Rescue, would be eligible; staff said allocations would not be limited to unincorporated areas.

After discussion, a committee member moved to defer agenda item 20205657 (disbursement of opioid settlement funds) for 60 days to allow staff to develop a clearer application process, provide detailed budgets or line items for the proposed awards, and coordinate with the behavioral health coalition. The committee approved the 60‑day deferral.

Committee members stressed the committee expects a budget breakdown showing what portion of each award will be used for Narcan, training, staffing, and other services; they also asked staff to clarify whether recommended committee membership and review procedures followed state guidance. Staff said the initial committee structure followed guidance from the State Department of Behavioral Health but said the board could adjust membership if the commissioners directed it.

The item will return to PECS with the requested materials and any recommendations from the behavioral health coalition.