Washington County directs opioid-settlement funds to drug recovery court and naloxone program
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Summary
The Washington County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution directing opioid‑settlement funds to local programs, authorizing $5,000 for a Drug Recovery Court match and $21,230.19 for naloxone distribution/harm‑reduction through the Martin‑Tyrrell‑Washington Health Department; prior allocations were ratified and spending periods adjusted.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 5 adopted a resolution directing how opioid‑settlement funds will be spent locally, authorizing a $5,000 county match for the Drug Recovery Court and $21,230.19 for naloxone distribution and syringe‑service support through the Martin‑Tyrrell‑Washington (MTW) Health Department.
County Manager and County Attorney Curtis Potter told the board that recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice and state local government officials requires settlement proceeds to be appropriated both by an authorizing board resolution and included in the annual budget ordinance. Potter said the change means prior practice using a separate grant project ordinance is no longer technically compliant and recommended the board ratify earlier allocations to avoid audit findings.
The resolution (adopted by the board during the meeting) accomplishes three tasks: it authorizes a $5,000 appropriation for the Drug Recovery Court for the current fiscal year; it ratifies a prior year $5,000 allocation that had been authorized under a now‑noncompliant project ordinance; and it amends an earlier authorization to extend the period for spending a previously authorized appropriation for naloxone distribution and related harm‑reduction work to June 30, 2024.
Wes Gray, director of the MTW Health Department, presented program details and answered commissioners’ questions about distribution and training. When Commissioner John C. Spruill asked whether Narcan kits could be made available to fire departments and whether training could be provided, Gray said they could, adding that people need naloxone "as much or more than CPR." Commissioner Ann C. Keyes asked about trends; Gray said it depends on reporting.
The approved allocations in the resolution are: $5,000 (Criminal Justice Diversion Programs/Drug Recovery Court) for the July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024 period; ratification of $5,000 for the July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023 period; and $21,230.19 for Naloxone Distribution/Syringe Service program for Jan. 1, 2023–June 30, 2024. The resolution directs that funds be maintained in a special revenue fund and accounted for consistent with the state memorandum of agreement governing opioid settlement proceeds.
The board’s action was unanimous. The resolution was adopted and signed by Chair Julius Walker Jr. The county will continue coordinating program details and reporting with MTW Health Department staff.