Residents, nonprofits press commission for funding, events and recovery services during public comment

Multiple speakers used the meeting's public-comment period to press the commission on community priorities.

Pamela Watkins of Montgomery Public Schools warned against reducing the district's share of the 1¢ sales tax, saying a 10% reduction would cost roughly $4'$4.5 million and could eliminate about 50 to 60 positions.

Ricky Goldman, representing NDFL (New Design for Living), outlined a faith-based, three-phase recovery program offering treatment, education and sober living supports; he asked for assistance and connections to county resources.

Valerie Smedley of the Montgomery Music and Arts Foundation presented plans and a proposed budget for an MLK birthday event at the Ben Moore Hotel and asked the commission to consider financial support or other help to make the event successful.

Murphy Green, a pastor and board member of Montgomery Community Action, asked the commission to reinstate the agency's county allocation; he said the requested amount was $65,000, acknowledged a recent state audit and asked what documentation the commission needed to restore funding. Commissioners asked for the agency's paperwork and financials before considering the request.

Commissioners said they heard the requests and reiterated that organizational funding requires completed paperwork and budget documentation before the commission will release county funds.

What happens next: Community Action was advised to submit required financial documents; staff said they would produce an accounting of the county's opioid-fund balance for commissioners.