Council backs opioid‑abatement grant application and use of settlement funds to expand Payne County Drug Court services
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Summary
Stillwater authorized submission of a three‑year opioid abatement grant and signaled use of city opioid settlement funds to supplement the Payne County Drug Court expansion; council adopted resolution CC‑2026‑5 unanimously to apply and partner on a proposed program that would cost about $1.175M over three years.
The Stillwater City Council on March 23 adopted a resolution (CC‑2026‑5) authorizing submission of an opioid abatement grant application and authorizing use of city opioid settlement funds to support a proposed expansion of Payne County Drug Court services.
City staff and Payne County Drug Court representatives described the proposed partnership, which would expand clinical staff and peer‑recovery support, increase assessments and counseling capacity, and provide client supports. Payne County Drug Court executive director Noah Baghwal (as introduced) said the program currently serves about 75 active clients weekly and provides probation supervision for additional clients; staffing includes two counselors and two peer recovery support specialists.
The grant program under discussion offers $125,000 per year to recipients for a selected three‑year program; staff said the city currently holds $1,056,378 in direct opioid settlement funds and expects additional settlement receipts over the next 14 years. The joint proposal would total about $1.175 million over three years; if awarded, the grant funding would be combined with city settlement funds to fully fund the expansion.
Councilors asked about sustainability after the three‑year grant period; staff said future funding options could include additional grants or a new funding conversation with Payne County Drug Court and partners. After discussion, the council voted 5–0 to adopt the resolution authorizing application and the proposed funding plan.
Councilors praised the Drug Court program’s structure and coordination with law enforcement and treatment resources. The resolution authorizes the city manager to execute related documents and coordinate with partners if the grant is awarded.
