Drug grant renewed but ASAC declines contract; county seeks program coordinator

County staff reported they received official notice that the existing drug grant was renewed for the next funding period at $125,000 per year. The grant covers program coordination, supplies, conferences and compliance activities. Staff said ASAC—previously the services provider—declined to renew its contract and the county must decide whether to hire or contract for a program coordinator to manage grant requirements.

"If you choose to continue, then you need to find a program coordinator and somebody to replace ASAC as our services provider," staff told the board. Supervisors asked whether contracting for services would be permissible (staff said yes, if the contracted person is not treated as a county employee and the county does not control hours or location). Board members agreed to hold a near-term work session to consider options — including combining duties across existing county departments or contracting with an outside coordinator — because the current grant year ends Sept. 29.