Hancock County Commission blocks consideration of using opioid settlement funds for jail fees

On April 23, the Hancock County Commission moved to consider a resolution to use opioid‑settlement money for county or regional jail fees for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, but a commissioner objected to considering the motion and the item did not proceed to debate or a vote.

The issue surfaced earlier during the public comment period when Terry Walker asked the commission how the county is allowed to use funds it received from opioid settlements. "What we are allowed to do with that money?" Walker asked, saying he wanted clarity before directing organizations to apply for funding.

Commission members responded by pointing to a memorandum of understanding circulated to counties (identified in the transcript as coming from the West Virginia First Foundation) and offered to provide Walker a copy or link for review; the transcript does not identify by name the member who summarized reporting requirements. Later, when the resolution to authorize use of opioid‑settlement funds for jail fees was introduced and the motion to consider it was made, another commissioner objected to consideration. The chair said an objection to consideration is allowable and that it "prohibits discussion," and the commission moved on without debating or voting on the item.

Because the item was not considered on the merits, the commission took no formal action about whether opioid‑settlement money may be used to pay county or regional jail fees. The clerk and commissioners indicated the memorandum of understanding and reporting guidance are available to counties and offered to provide that documentation to members of the public who asked.

The meeting proceeded to other business; the transcript does not show a follow‑up date for further consideration of opioid‑related spending.