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Council outlines use of opioid settlement funds; administration proposes two temporary outreach positions
Summary
Edison officials described spending plans for opioid‑settlement money, including possible temporary hires for community outreach. Staff said funds carry strict usage conditions and that the positions would be temporary and not added to the general payroll without separate action.
During public comment on Resolution 472, residents asked how Edison plans to use incoming opioid‑settlement money (the public backup sheet shows an item of $586,684.25). Business Administrator Sonia told the council that the township has received multiple opioid settlement distributions and that the funds have tight restrictions on allowable uses.
Sonia described the administration’s plan to fund two temporary outreach positions and community outreach activities from opioid settlement proceeds, saying, “there are really strict guidelines on what we can use the money for… 2 positions, community outreach, and that would come out of this, not just this, but whatever else we have in the account.” She said the positions would be advertised as temporary and not add permanent payroll obligations.
Residents asked whether the township can reserve funding to cover salaries for multiple years or whether the positions will end once settlement money is expended. Sonia responded the roles would be temporary and the administration could not commit to making them permanent without future council action and budgetary decisions.
The council approved the resolution as part of the consent agenda but pulled the item for additional comment during the meeting. Administration committed to produce more detailed budget worksheets and job descriptions for council review.
