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Houghton County weighs directing opioid settlement funds to drug court and a treatment center
Summary
County officials discussed using opioid settlement dollars—$149,000 currently on hand and additional payments over roughly 18 years—to support the Drug Treatment Court and possibly a mental-health and drug-treatment center at the Sharon Avenue property; commissioners proposed a September work session to develop recommendations.
County commissioners discussed possible uses for opioid settlement funds at their July 18 meeting, focusing on treatment and court-based responses rather than immediate capital commitments.
Commissioner Joel Keranen said he met with Judge Daavettila and others and ‘‘suggested allocating the opioid funds to the Drug Treatment Court.’’ Administrator Larson reported the county currently has roughly $149,000 from opioid litigation and that additional funds are expected over approximately 18 years. Chairman Tom Tikkanen raised the option of using funds toward a mental-health and drug-treatment center at the Sharon Avenue property. Sheriff Joshua Saaranen commented on transportation options to District Court versus local services.
No formal allocation or motion was made; commissioners proposed convening a work session in September and soliciting further suggestions from stakeholders before deciding on specific allocations.
