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Chippewa County appoints steering committee to advise distribution of opioid-settlement funds
Summary
The board approved appointing a roughly 16-member steering committee to advise distribution of about $90,000 a year for 18 years from the opioid settlement. Commissioners discussed staggered terms, conflict-of-interest rules and early governance steps.
The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners voted to appoint a steering committee charged with recommending how to allocate opioid-settlement funds to prevention, treatment and related programs.
Administrator Kelly Church outlined the committee selection approach and proposed staggering terms by alphabetical order so that initial appointments would expire at different times (first through 2026, second through 2027, etc.). The board discussed committee size and membership; a motion to appoint the full proposed slate (about 16 members) carried on a voice vote.
Commissioners and members of the public raised conflict-of-interest concerns because some individuals on the candidate list represent organizations that might apply for funds. Commissioner Kinam suggested the steering committee adopt Robert's Rules of Order and explicit abstention rules to manage conflicts and urged transparency in committee governance. Commissioner Lawrence and others noted the settlement will impose strings on eligible uses (prevention, treatment, education) and emphasized following the judgment's guidelines for distribution.
Kelly Church said the county expects approximately $90,000 per year for the next 18 years under the settlement terms; commissioners described that as significant enough to warrant broad community input but noted the distribution must adhere to the judgment's allowable uses.
The board's motion to appoint the full slate passed with multiple aye votes. Commissioners asked that committee rules include abstention procedures for members whose organizations may seek grants and requested the committee adopt formal procedures early in its work.
No final allocations were made at the meeting; the steering committee will convene to develop recommendations for the board's consideration.
