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Public commenters urge careful local coordination for opioid-settlement and SB3 behavioral-health funds
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Summary
Volunteers and the county health council urged city leaders to coordinate opioid-settlement and SB3 behavioral-health funds with local first responders and existing volunteer providers to avoid duplication and ensure effective use of money earmarked for behavioral-health reform.
In public comment, Mikaela Morris — a volunteer advanced EMT and director of a local rescue/EMS agency — thanked the council for considering opioid-settlement funding and asked that the city coordinate any outside providers (for example, Lifehouse) with local volunteer organizations and first responders before finalizing contracts or funding. Morris emphasized that local volunteers and faith-based groups already provide much of the day-to-day crisis response and urged that settlement funds support those existing capacities.
Carrie Moore, director of the Chavis County Health Council, briefed council on the Behavioral Health Reform Investment Act (referred to in the meeting as SB3): she described a $1 billion trust with roughly $250 million set aside for four years, explained that regional allocations will flow through judicial-district fiscal structures (LC5 for the region) and said Eddy County is the fiscal lead for their district. Moore said district allocations are being discussed and that LC5’s share for the region is estimated at about $2 million, with counties potentially receiving roughly $650,000 each though final figures are not yet certain. She noted very fast grant deadlines for some pieces of the program and announced a public listening session on Jan. 13 at the college to plan priorities and collaboration among hospitals, nonprofits and government entities.
Councilors and speakers stressed the need for a fiscal agent for SB3 funds (state rules generally require government entities to act as pass-throughs) and discussed coordination with Eddy County as part of the allocation process. Speakers urged that the city and county engage with local first responders and nonprofit providers to define needs before finalizing contracts or outside-service arrangements.
Why it matters: opioid-settlement and SB3 funds represent substantial, time-limited resources that can expand crisis response, diversion programs and treatment capacity if allocated in coordination with local service providers. Commenters asked the council to ensure local knowledge and existing networks shape funding decisions.
What’s next: Council indicated staff will continue deliberations and engagement; a community listening session is scheduled for Jan. 13.
