Commission approves opioid settlement fund awards totaling about $656,736; commissioners discuss transparency

St. Francois County commissioners approved awards from the county’s opioid settlement fund to multiple applicants, with the total amount approved reported in the meeting as approximately $656,735.61.

The commission’s committee that reviewed applications recommended awarding each qualifying applicant the full amount requested. Staff said the awards totaled “656,000 plus” and that the county had previously set an approximate cap of $680,000 for the round; the motion recorded the total as $656,735.61.

Commissioners and staff discussed transparency and public records questions. Commissioners asked whether the applications and intended use for each award would be publicly available; staff and committee members said the applications are detailed and that the county would make information available — either by providing the application in response to requests or by directing inquiries to the recipient agencies who can show their own breakdowns. Staff said recipients will be required to submit invoices for reimbursement and that the county will review and reimburse qualifying expenses.

One presenter noted the fund balance after awards would remain positive (staff estimated roughly $500,000–$600,000 remaining depending on timing and incoming payments) and reminded commissioners that settlements are paid to counties in tranches and can be unpredictable.

Ending: Staff said they will notify award recipients and prepare award letters; recipients will submit invoices for reimbursement and the county will publish or make application materials available on request as public records.