Washington County boards recommend $2,000 from opioid funds for Project Lifesaver transmitters

The Washington County Community Corrections Advisory Board and the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council voted to recommend that county commissioners approve $2,000 from unrestricted opioid subcommittee funds to purchase four transmitters and associated consumables for Project Lifesaver.

The board’s chair told members the opioid subcommittee currently has about $438,000 in restricted funds and a little more than $125,000 in unrestricted funds and that "the requested amount was for $2,000 out of unrestricted funds." Amanda Yake, identified at the meeting as one of the project sponsors, and Joe Keltner, who also sponsors the program, were present to answer questions about need and logistics.

Project Lifesaver provides transmitters for people at risk of wandering, including youth and elderly residents; the equipment requires monthly maintenance, including band changes, battery replacements and O-rings. Meeting discussion said the $2,000 request would buy four additional transmitters and funds for upkeep to avoid having to choose among interested recipients.

Judge Medlock moved to accept the application and recommend the funding to the county commissioners; Justin Green seconded. The board voted by show of hands with no objections recorded and the motion passed. The chair said the board will forward the recommendation to the county commissioners and asked staff to attempt to place the item on the commissioners’ December agenda, or in January if that is not possible.

There was no formal recorded roll-call tally in the meeting minutes provided; the action is a board recommendation only—the county commissioners retain final authority to approve disbursement of opioid subcommittee funds.

Next steps: staff will transmit the board’s recommendation and the Project Lifesaver application to Washington County commissioners for their consideration.