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Commissioners pause decision on Soter RS x‑ray for jail amid disagreement over opioid‑fund eligibility
Summary
Delaware County commissioners reviewed vendor proposals for an x‑ray scanner for the county jail but took no action after a county ADA questioned whether opioid‑settlement funds can be used; Sheriff Ray Thomas said a neighboring district attorney approved use and urged staff to complete paperwork.
Delaware County commissioners reviewed three estimates April 28 to purchase an x‑ray scanner for the county jail from Soter RS but postponed a decision after conflicting legal views were raised about whether opioid‑settlement funds may be used for the purchase.
A Soter RS representative reviewed the estimates and said the difference in price reflects the number of years covered by a full warranty; the vendor also said there will be a $2,500 annual license fee to operate the unit and that the sheriff’s office must designate a state‑certified radiation safety officer. The vendor said Soter has 25 scanners placed in Oklahoma and would provide user training.
Sheriff Ray Thomas said Craig County District Attorney Matt Ballard approved use of opioid funds for the purchase and urged the board to "just get their paperwork." County ADA Pam Ireland said she believes the x‑ray "cannot be purchased with opioid funds," and the board elected to seek further information before approving any expenditure.
The board also discussed Buyboard membership and whether county opioid settlement funds could be used under Buyboard contracts; no purchase was authorized at the meeting. Commissioners emphasized that staff should clarify allowable uses of opioid funds and any conditions attached to prior approvals before returning the item for action.
