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Avery County adopts opioid settlement participation and a $182,250 spending plan for community programs
Summary
The county authorized joining Kroger-related opioid settlements and approved a $182,250 spending plan under SAAF-2 allocating funds to seven strategies serving reentry, treatment, naloxone distribution and related services for FY2024–25.
The Avery County Board of Commissioners on July 1 adopted two resolutions: one authorizing the county to execute opioid settlement agreements (including the Kroger settlement and the Second Supplemental Agreement for Additional Funds, SAAF-2) and another directing the expenditure of opioid settlement funds.
The first resolution authorizes the County Manager to execute necessary documents to join the settlements and to execute SAAF-2. The resolution text on the record states, "NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Avery County hereby authorizes the County Manager to execute all documents necessary to enter into opioid settlement agreements with Kroger, to execute the SAAF-2, and to provide such documents to Rubris, the Implementation Administrator." County Attorney Michaelle Poore requested the resolution be amended to add a sentence specifically accepting the funds; the board adopted the change and approved the resolution unanimously.
The second resolution directs the use of opioid settlement proceeds in accordance with the state Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and SAAF documents. The board authorized seven strategies with FY2024–25 allocations totaling $182,250: Collaborative Strategic Planning ($36,125, providers: Freedom Life Avery and Marjorie Williams Academy), Evidence-based Addiction Treatment ($44,940, provider: High Country Community Health), Recovery Support Services ($7,281, Mediation and Restorative Justice Center), Early Intervention ($2,500, Marjorie Williams Academy), Naloxone Distribution ($14,660, split between High Country Community Health and Mediation and Restorative Justice Center), Post-overdose Response Team ($34,119, Mediation and Restorative Justice Center), and Reentry Programs ($42,625, Freedom Life Avery). The resolution sets the authorized spending period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
The board adopted the expenditure resolution by motion of Wood Hall Young, Jr., seconded by Martha Hicks; the vote was unanimous among members present. The meeting record indicates the county will follow MOA/SAAF reporting and community engagement requirements, including an annual community meeting and memoranda of understanding with nonprofit providers prior to disbursement.
Next steps include executing SAAF-2 documentation and finalizing memoranda of understanding with approved nonprofit providers before funds are disbursed.
