Knox County approves first round of opioid-settlement grants for children and families

Knox County Commissioners voted Nov. 4 to award four local organizations grants funded from county opioid-settlement dollars, capping awards at $25,000 each as an initial, one-year test of programs serving children and families affected by opioid use, presenters told the board.

Presenter (3) summarized the application process: “So as you know, Knox County has been given some of those opioid settlement dollars. They have been sitting for a while, and we wanted to work with you all to create a process to distribute those out to organizations in the county who are working to help families, due to the opioid crisis.” The grants were run through the Knox County Foundation portal, closed Oct. 10, 2025, and four organizations completed the full application and review process.

Why it matters: commissioners and county staff said the funding is intended to stabilize families and provide supports for children affected by addiction, while the $25,000 award amount lets the board evaluate programs before committing larger sums. “We had decided to hold these at the $25,000 mark really to kind of test the waters, to see what kind of results we get,” a commissioner said.

Presenters and county reviewers told the board they vetted applicants’ capacity to manage funds, drawing on experience with the Knox County Foundation, United Way and prior grant administration. Presenter (2), who serves as Knox County’s Region 18 representative, noted the region’s statewide grant pot will be smaller in the next round and encouraged prospective applicants to prepare: the Region 18 pool fell from about $2,300,000 in the prior round to roughly $1,900,000 for the coming cycle; the regional application is expected in December, due in January, with decisions in February.

The board was told grantees will submit progress reports every six months so commissioners can monitor outcomes and determine whether to continue or expand funding. Presenter (3) said she will provide those reports to the commissioners.

Action taken: commissioners directed staff to finalize grant agreements with the four recommended organizations and authorized release of funds once signed. County staff indicated they will circulate approvals and agreements to the grantees immediately.

Votes at a glance: - Award four opioid-settlement grants (local “1 Ohio” funds), each capped at $25,000: motion approved by voice vote; commissioners authorized staff to execute grant agreements and release funds once signed. - Authorize transit director to execute Ohio Department of Transportation grant documents: motion approved by voice vote. - Certify delinquent water and wastewater accounts (10 households) to Knox County Auditor for collection: motion approved by voice vote. - Approve utility permit for an energy cooperative on Amity Road, Berlin Township: motion approved by voice vote.

Context and next steps: presenters said the first round focuses on children with family supports and is intended to test local program effectiveness. County representatives emphasized the competitive nature of Region 18 funding and encouraged technical-preparation resources and webinars for prospective applicants. Commissioners expect six-month reporting from grantees to inform any decision on further funding or adjustments.

Closing: the meeting also included routine administrative business and a reminder that the county service center will open to the public the following Monday; the board adjourned after urging residents to vote.