Mason County leaders move to set process and early awards from $1.45M opioid settlement

Mason County officials moved forward with a plan to formalize how the county will spend roughly $1.45 million in opioid settlement money and directed staff to prepare a resolution setting a grant review process.

Public health staff told the Board of County Commissioners the settlement account currently holds about $1.45 million and that the county will continue to receive smaller annual payments (roughly $96,000 a year thereafter). “We've been applying for and and getting, funding in from the opioid settlement fund,” a public health staffer said during the briefing and outlined several community requests already on the table.

Commissioners discussed whether to use the money for a few larger, measurable investments or for many smaller projects. After hearing requests from law enforcement, the coroner and emergency services, commissioners gave tentative direction to draft a resolution that would (1) establish a transparent RFP process and review panel and (2) authorize near‑term awards subject to formal action. Commissioners signaled early support for three initial items: partial funding for a school/D.A.R.E. officer, coroner laboratory upkeep (to cover kits, licensing and software updates), and a multi‑year contribution to a regional emergency responder program. One commissioner recommended a three‑year funding window for any positions funded from the settlement so the county would not create indefinite liabilities.

Staff stressed reporting and tracking requirements that come with settlement money, saying awards must add services rather than supplant existing programs. The county will also track outcomes and require measurable performance indicators for larger awards, staff said. Commissioners asked staff to consult the county risk/procurement teams and the state MRSC guidance as they draft the resolution and to return with a draft action item on the next action agenda.