Yamhill County commissioners approve funding change, join opioid settlement and approve grant revision

Yamhill County commissioners approved a series of routine motions during their May 21 meeting, including contract and grant actions and authorization to participate in a national opioid settlement.

The board first approved an agreement with the Oregon Health Authority for a problem-gambling program element. Commissioners then approved Amendment No. 1 to agreement 443000-00051389 with the Oregon Health Authority, which reduces Behavioral Health Resource Network funding to $3,060,900 effective July 1, 2026. The chair explained the reduction—$359,000—reflects lower marijuana tax revenue driven by price declines rather than lower program usage: "It's not that there is reduced usage. It's that the price is lower, and so the tax revenue is lower," the chair said.

The board also authorized the county administrator to sign final participation forms to include Yamhill County in a proposed national opioid settlement covering several remaining defendant distributors and related companies. County counsel Tom Demore was noted as available to answer questions about settlement particulars.

Finally, commissioners approved the revised CAFA grant application for the 2026–27 cycle after the assessor provided specifics. Commissioners thanked regional collaboration and county staff for work on the application.

Each action passed by voice vote with commissioners present saying "aye." No roll-call tallies were recorded in the public hearing record.