Charlestown reviews opioid settlement spending policy; council prioritizes police requests and delays awards pending more detail

Charlestown City Council reviewed a proposed resolution and policy on April 7 to govern local allocation of opioid settlement funds. The draft would permit the city to use funds internally for police programs and open an application process for nonprofit organizations to receive grants.

Why it matters: Finance staff said the resolution and policy were written to provide an audit trail and permit funds to be used for both internal police uses and external nonprofit grants. The policy enumerates allowable purchases consistent with state guidance and sets up a competitive application process for nonprofits. Staff recommended that the police department be treated as a priority beneficiary; Chief Kutcher and council members discussed possible uses, including funding for a police social worker to coordinate treatment and follow-up for overdose or mental-health calls.

Council members asked for clearer authority language in the resolution so it matches the policy and for a better estimate of the funds available before advertising the grant program. The council agreed to invite a representative (Margaret Kirschner, who coordinates the proposed police social-worker program through a regional initiative) to present program details and funding options at a future meeting. Given outstanding questions about total funds and program structure, the council tabled final awards until staff provides updated amounts and partner presentations.

Next steps: Staff will clarify resolution language to show that police requests are authorized consistent with the policy, estimate the total available settlement funds, and schedule a presentation from the proposed program partner for May or June.