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Camden County approves opioid-settlement support for drug court after emotional testimony
Summary
The board approved a $65,000 MOU to direct opioid settlement funds to the Brunswick judicial circuit drug court, following a presentation by Judge Steven Kelly and testimony from a program graduate. The county reported $171,906 in opioid settlement funds available.
Camden County commissioners voted to allocate opioid settlement funds to the Brunswick judicial circuit drug court after a presentation from Judge Steven Kelly and testimony from a program graduate.
Judge Steven Kelly described the program as an intensive, phased treatment court that prioritizes high-risk, high-need defendants and mixes court supervision with treatment, employment requirements and frequent drug testing. He told commissioners Camden County’s program has had 61 participants in the recent reporting window with 25 graduates over the last two years and said the circuit has administered 2,678 drug screens locally. Kelly said the program uses mechanisms such as medication-assisted treatment (including Vivitrol and other options) and residential placement when necessary.
Carly Simone, introduced by Judge Kelly as a person in long-term recovery, told the board she completed drug court after theft and drug charges, finished long-term treatment, paid restitution, returned to college and secured a job and housing. “If it wasn't for drug court, I probably would have lost my child to the state,” she said in brief remarks describing recovery and a desire to help build local recovery supports.
Chief Financial Officer Nancy Clark Gonzales presented the funding plan. Camden County’s current balance of opioid settlement money is $171,906, she said, and the proposed MOU would allocate $65,000 to drug court starting in January for one calendar year. The MOU splits the cost across two fiscal years: $32,500 in the current year and $32,500 in the next fiscal year. Gonzales said annual opioid receipts to the county average roughly $50,000 but cautioned that future settlement amounts are variable. The MOU lists allowable uses — specialized staff and training, expanded treatment providers and MAT, testing supplies and technology, and participant supports such as transportation and housing assistance.
Commissioners had no further questions and approved the allocation by voice vote.
Next steps: the MOU is set to begin in January and will require staff to return for renewal or further action if the drug court seeks continued funding beyond the one-year term.
