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Opioid committee discussed funding for ISU "Strengthening Families" pilot for local students
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Summary
Jefferson County's opioid committee talked through a request to support Iowa State University's Strengthening Families program for 10–14-year-olds, clarifying training costs ($850 per trainer) and an estimated pilot budget (up to $9,660). Members agreed to keep councils informed and to ask presenters to return with updates.
The Jefferson County opioid committee on an unspecified date discussed supporting a pilot of Iowa State University’s Strengthening Families program for middle-school families, including paying some training-related costs and meal support.
Unidentified Speaker 1, an unnamed committee member, described the program as a weekly, seven-week series in which parents and children meet for dinner and guided, scenario-based exercises to improve decision-making. "It's about the kids," Unidentified Speaker 1 said, urging support for outreach into schools.
Committee members clarified costs and logistics. The group said the school district would cover some expenses but that the county could pay for trainer-related travel, lodging and meals; speakers identified $850 as the amount to be paid per person who completes the instructor training. Unidentified Speaker 4 noted the pilot could cost "around $9,660, I believe, up to," with roughly $3,000 earmarked for training and the remainder for family meals and participant supports.
Members debated the proper procedural path for approving expenditures. Unidentified Speaker 4 said, "Technically, it is a county's money," while Unidentified Speaker 2 emphasized that city councils also vote and should be kept informed of allocations tied to municipal residents. The committee agreed presenters should appear before supervisors or the opioid committee and that members would check for any written intergovernmental agreements specifying city–county allocations.
Speakers discussed recruitment and timing: the facilitator training for extra staff would take place in August and the pilot program is expected to begin in the fall, targeting 10-to-14-year-olds and serving roughly 10 to 14 families per class. The committee asked that program leads return with progress reports, potentially quarterly, and that presenters submit invoices to the committee office for payment processing.
The committee did not record a formal vote in the transcript and members said they would return to supervisors or reconvene if additional funds were needed. The most recent financial statement referenced in discussion shows opioid-fund balances in the $258,000–$263,000 range, with recent allocations (including a library allocation) noted by a member.
