Jamie Atkinson asks commissioners for budget so opioid RFP can go out by Oct. 1

Jamie Atkinson, speaking for the county opioid-services committee, told Penobscot County commissioners the group needs a clear budget so it can issue the next request for proposals by Oct. 1.

"The first being we would really like to keep on our... RFP by October 1, which means that we really need to have an idea about what the budget will be," Atkinson said. She reported that most six-month performance reports arrive on time and that many projects have met or exceeded their stated outcomes, with some programs serving as many as 160 people compared with original projections of about 100.

Atkinson and colleagues said staffing shortages—particularly in rural parts of the county—have delayed some projects and urged the commission to keep funding focused on recovery, harm reduction, prevention and treatment pillars. She said school-based outreach reached more than 200 students before the academic year ended.

Commissioners responded that providing a budget range would let the committee tailor the RFP to gaps identified in prior rounds. Commissioner Pat Cimola said the county should confirm which county positions will serve on the committee and that the grants/contract manager and a law-enforcement representative would be appropriate seats. The commission agreed to supply the requested budget parameters so the committee can proceed with its timeline.

The presentation included data comparisons: Atkinson said Bangor was awarded more than $1,000,000 in the prior RFP round and will receive about $200,000 annually, while the county-level allocation is expected to be roughly $250,000. Atkinson and commissioners asked that the Moss Center or a state data source provide a short follow-up presentation to explain gaps in local outcomes.

The commission instructed staff to return a budget figure and to confirm committee appointments at the next meeting.