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Council to authorize opioid-settlement funds for Aiken Center peer-support and counseling roles
Summary
The council reviewed Resolution 2025-33 to use South Carolina opioid-settlement funds for a peer-support specialist and a licensed addiction counselor placed with the Aiken Center to serve North Augusta, and to authorize a 3-year memorandum of understanding with Aiken County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
City staff and the chief of public safety briefed the council on Resolution 2025‑33, which would authorize use of opioid-settlement funds to support two positions at the Aiken Center focused on North Augusta residents: a peer-support specialist and a licensed addiction counselor. Clifford said the settlement money has statutory restrictions similar to ARPA and must be used for opioid abatement activities.
The chief described existing partnerships with Margaret Key and the Aiken Center and noted the city has used opioid-settlement receipts for items such as outreach 'cop cards' and a CAT-team vehicle that displays Narcan and Aiken Center branding. The proposed MOU is for three years and may be terminated after 60 days; staff said there is currently roughly $500,000+ in the fund and incoming payments will continue.
Councilmembers sought clarifications about allowable uses, duration and whether services would be physically located in North Augusta rather than forcing residents to travel to Aiken. Staff answered that the MOU contemplates local access and outreach materials (cards and pamphlets) and that the funding must be limited to opioid-abatement activities.
Next steps: staff will place the resolution on the council meeting agenda for formal action; the MOU terms and allowable uses will be included in the package.
