The Franklin County Board of Supervisors authorized two opioid-abatement authority (OAA) grant submissions with a Dec. 4 application deadline.

County finance staff said Piedmont Community Services requested an amendment to a previously approved Grace House application after an engineer’s estimate showed renovation costs far above the original budget. "Piedmont asked to increase from the $155,000 to $250,000 on the application," Brian Carter said, describing the change as a purchase of a different house that would add capacity (three rooms versus two).

The board also authorized submitting a new application to reinstate a community paramedicine program that was curtailed when state funding ended. Carter said the county would request training, materials and possibly up to 100% of equipment costs and that OAA staff indicated a portion of a position (about 50%) could be an allowable use; the county estimates a paramedic-level position at roughly $100,000 in salary and benefits and proposed asking for $175,000 for the application this cycle. Staff emphasized that submitting an application does not obligate the county to accept an award; the board will review final award terms before accepting funds.

Supervisor Tatum moved to approve both submissions; the motion passed by roll call with all present voting in favor and the chairman absent.