Commissioners OK spending resolution to carry forward opioid-settlement projects

Ashe County commissioners approved a spending resolution that allows previously authorized opioid settlement funds to be carried forward and used to continue projects already underway, county staff said.

Lindsey Sullivan, identified as a health strategist with a regional health partner, asked the board to approve the resolution so funded projects could continue work and use any unspent carryover dollars. She said the county had delayed some activities because of the impacts of Hurricane Helene and that carrying funds forward will preserve momentum.

Sullivan said the county has coordinated with the Association of County Commissioners’ technical-assistance team to ensure the proposed resolution aligns with guidance on allowable uses and that one partner, Hospitality House, did not require additional funds. She told the board a needs assessment is underway to inform future multi-year project funding (three-year terms were discussed) and to reduce administrative overhead so more money goes to programming rather than repeated renewals.

Commissioners approved the resolution as presented and asked staff to return with needs-assessment results in the spring to inform any future longer-term funding commitments.