Health committee approves $11,250 contract with Syracuse University for virtual opioid training

The Warren County Health Services Committee on Thursday approved a $11,250 contract with Syracuse University for virtual opioid-related training for the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Bolton Police Department.

Rob York, director of community services, told the committee the county issued a solicitation for opioid-settlement funds and received a joint proposal from the sheriff’s office and Bolton Police. York said the sheriff had originally contracted with an affiliate called Z School, but the county wants a direct contract with Syracuse University, which had subcontracted with Z School for the training.

"The total amount is 11,250, and I believe 10 officers have already received the training," York said, adding the program was designed for up to 20 officers and is partially complete. He said the contract needs to be corrected so the county can issue payment.

Committee members asked whether the training sessions were in person or virtual; York said the training is virtual. The chair called the question and, after a motion from a supervisor, the committee approved the contract by voice vote. The transcript records the result as "carries," with no roll-call tally recorded.

Why it matters: The contract funds training tied to opioid-response efforts and is supported by opioid settlement proceeds allocated for local programs. The county clarified the vendor relationship to reflect Syracuse University as the prime contractor and Z School as a subcontractor.

Next steps: The contract will be finalized and payment processed once the vendor relationship is corrected and paperwork completed, according to York.