Board approves opioid‑settlement funding plan to add county strategist and support community programs
Summary
Pottawattamie County approved a proposed plan to allocate opioid settlement funds for 2026 that includes hiring a county 'community health opioid strategist,' staff training and a $75,000 contract with Methodist Health System for a high‑risk community health worker beginning July 2026; presenters said the fund balance and projected revenue make the plan sustainable over a multi‑year pro‑forma.
County public‑health and planning staff asked the Board of Supervisors to approve a pro‑forma allocation of opioid settlement funds that would fund a new county position (a community health opioid strategist), staff training, travel to national conferences and a contract with Methodist Health System to support high‑risk community health workers.
Matt Wyant and Jordan described a starting fund balance of $1,882,034 and projected annual incoming settlement revenue of roughly $313,000. Their revised request for 2026 totaled approximately $387,172 in spending, which staff said results in a projected net change that leaves a comfortable balance over a 10‑year projection (they estimate about $1,145,000 would remain by year 10 under the plan). Methodists’ high‑risk worker request was adjusted down from $100,000 to $75,000 and would be paid through a contract beginning July 2026.
Board members asked for job descriptions and a follow‑up presentation on positions if the board approved the allocation; staff agreed to return with formal job descriptions and organizational changes once the board approved the funding concept. The board moved and approved the allocation; the motion did not lock in a single dollar line in the motion and staff will incorporate the amounts into upcoming budget work in January.
