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Board authorizes MOU sending opioid settlement funds to Bucks County to fund co‑responder; vote 3–2
Summary
On a 3–2 vote, the supervisors authorized execution of a memorandum of understanding obligating township opioid settlement funds to Bucks County, which officials say will supply a co‑responder for Newtown; board members noted county assurances but said no written guarantee was provided at the meeting.
The board voted 3–2 on June 24 to authorize execution of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) obligating Newtown Township’s opioid settlement funds to Bucks County, with the expectation that the county would staff a co‑responder position to assist local behavioral‑health incidents.
The solicitor reintroduced the tabled MOU and requested a vote to remove it from the table and act. Board discussion cited recent conversations with county commissioners in which the county representatives "assured the board of supervisors here that a resource officer would be supplied for Newtown Township with the money that we are sending back to them." A supervisor clarified the county described the role as a co‑responder, not a school resource officer.
Several supervisors said that, although they were satisfied with the county’s assurances, there is no written guarantee in the record confirming the co‑responder will be provided. Dennis Fisher, speaking during public comment, praised the decision and referenced an amount of $133,000 being authorized for county use from the township’s opioid funds.
The motion passed by voice vote reported as three in favor and two opposed. Supervisors said they will continue to monitor how other townships use these funds and consider options for future allocations, but concluded that, given timing and the program’s structure, county administration for a co‑responder made sense in the short term.
Why it matters: The decision directs locally held opioid settlement funds to county administration for a behavioral‑health response role in Newtown. While supervisors expressed confidence in the county’s intent, several asked for clearer written assurances about the position and its longevity.
