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Senecore says state funding cut will end inpatient services; asks Potter County to consider opioid‑abatement support
Summary
Senecore Amarillo told the Potter County Commissioners Court it will stop inpatient detox and residential services effective Sept. 30 after a state funding reduction, and asked whether county opioid‑abatement funds or regional settlement awards could sustain remaining care. County staff said the reconciled local opioid settlement fund balance was $316,907.86.
Julie McCarty, regional director of Senecore Amarillo, told the Potter County Commissioner's Court that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission cut the agency's funding beginning Sept. 1 and that the reduction forced Senecore to cease inpatient detox and residential services effective Sept. 30, 2025. "This reduction has forced us to make the incredibly difficult decision to cease operations for our inpatient detox and residential services effective 09/30/2025," McCarty said.
McCarty told the court Senecore will continue outpatient services — including intensive outpatient, medication‑assisted treatment and recovery support — but asked whether any local opioid‑abatement funds could be used to sustain residential care. She cited the Texas opioid settlement allocation and a local distribution described in the settlement's exhibit B, and asked the court whether remaining funds could be made available to help Senecore continue services in Amarillo.
County staff and commissioners responded by reviewing available settlement funds and regional grant opportunities. The court's reconciliation showed a local opioid settlement fund balance of $316,907.86 as of the end of August; county staff said the full local allocation to the county has not yet been allocated for use. A county official noted that larger regional abatement funding is administered through regional councils and suggested Senecore pursue the Region 12 application in addition to local support.
The court did not commit funds on the spot but directed staff to look into options and invited Senecore to return at the next meeting with additional documentation. Commissioners suggested Senecore also seek assistance from the City of Amarillo and pursue regional grant avenues. "We would want some sort of public benefit and county interest if we're going to be funding a private enterprise," one commissioner said. McCarty replied Senecore is a nonprofit and said the organization is prepared to collaborate on metrics and reporting to demonstrate public benefit.
The court did not take formal action at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to confirm reconciled balances and to bring follow‑up options for consideration at a subsequent session.
