Commissioners approve opioid settlement resolutions but table spending until provider agreements are signed

The Avery County Board of Commissioners considered two linked opioid-settlement items: a resolution authorizing execution of settlement agreements with secondary opioid manufacturers, and a second resolution directing the proposed use of settlement proceeds for FY25–26.

The board initially moved to approve the execution resolution and the outline for expenditures and voted to adopt them as presented. During discussion, a commissioner raised a concern that the provider agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that would govern the distribution of funds had not been presented to the board and said "no funds can be dispersed until those agreements are presented." County staff said MOUs were expected to be sent after approval.

Because of that gap, a motion was made (Dennis) and seconded (Rob) to table the corresponding opioid settlement budget amendment/expenditure until the agreements/MOUs are presented and signed. The board voted in favor of tabling the amendment. Staff said the board could hold a special meeting to approve the agreements if timely action were required before the next regular meeting.

The net result: the board approved resolutions related to settlement execution and the expenditure outline but delayed final approval of the actual spending amendment pending signed agreements and MOUs.

The board requested that agreements be provided to the commissioners before any funds are distributed and that staff return with signed documents or a special meeting if quick action is required.