Russell County court urges caution on opioid settlement spending; defers new allocations

Russell County fiscal court on July 13 discussed the county’s opioid settlement account and agreed to delay further allocations while staff gather required documentation and comply with new state reporting rules.

The judge told the court the county has spent $86,614.71 to date and noted the state attorney general’s dashboard shows limited reported spending. Speakers emphasized that the funds are subject to tight, case‑by‑case documentation and that missteps could require the county to repay amounts. One magistrate described the reporting now demanded by a state agency as "extremely intense and very, very specific," and said staff member Jennifer has been hired as a liaison to track cases and ensure compliance.

"It's not grant money…it's not free money," the judge said, urging caution, and adding that misspending could leave the county responsible for repayments. Several magistrates agreed to give county staff — specifically Kevin and the liaison Jennifer — time to review eligible uses and return with a recommended spending plan. A motion to postpone additional allocations until next month passed by voice vote.

Court members noted potential uses discussed previously — such as drug court support and prevention services — but agreed any commitment must meet the state’s documentation standard before the county disburses additional funds.

The court’s action preserves the county’s administrative flexibility while prioritizing compliance with state reporting requirements; staff will report back with a year‑to‑date, case‑level inventory of services and spending eligible under the settlement rules.