Supervisors approve obligating opioid settlement funds to county for co‑responder program, vote 3–2

The New Town Township Supervisors voted on June 24 to authorize execution of a memorandum of understanding obligating township opioid settlement funds to Bucks County, with the county directing the money to a co‑responder program that would supply a co‑responder for New Town.

Solicitor said the motion to authorize the MOU — which had been tabled at the prior meeting — was before the board. Supervisors who supported the motion said county commissioners had assured them the funds would be used to provide a co‑responder in New Town; others asked whether there was any written guarantee.

“No,” a supervisor acknowledged when asked whether a written guarantee existed, and the solicitor confirmed there was no written memorandum guaranteeing placement, though board members said they had received verbal assurances from county officials and a sponsor legislator.

Resident Dennis Fischer — who said he has attended the county meetings on the jet fuel leak and has professional experience in mental health services — thanked the board for authorizing the $133,000 contribution and said the co‑responder program is effective. “I would thank you for discussing and agreeing to spend that $133,000 and authorize it to the county,” Fischer said.

After discussion the board called the question and the motion passed 3–2. The transcript records the motion as carried and notes the board will continue to watch how the county uses funds and explore future local options for future opioid settlement dollars.