Rockbridge supervisors approve opioid-settlement distributions to local recovery programs

The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors voted April 13 to pass newly received opioid-settlement money through the Rockbridge Community Health Foundation to support local recovery services and the county recovery court program.

County counsel/staff (Mr. Sudter) told the board the county’s account held about $107,585 and that the recommended disbursement is a 50/50 split to two local recipient entities, which would mean about $53,792 from the county for each recipient. He said the distributions follow the county’s earlier memorandum of understanding with the community foundation and the spending limitations imposed by the class‑action awards and state law.

Miss Lori Turner of the Rockbridge Community Health Foundation said the foundation is “happy to be a part of both these organizations” and that the programs are working collaboratively to provide services to residents. Board members asked whether the Commonwealth is likely to assume ongoing program costs; Mr. Sudter said state funding is expected to begin in future years but not immediately, and that the board should consider distributions annually because the settlement funds will diminish over time.

After questions from supervisors, a motion to approve the disbursement agreement passed unanimously. The board’s action directs the funds to be distributed through the community foundation in accordance with the memorandum of understanding and the settlement rules.

The board also approved, in a separate resolution the same night, participation in a national settlement with six defendants; staff said adopting that resolution was necessary for the county to receive its share under that agreement.