Opioid settlement steering committee advances RFP framework, sets Sept. 30 workshop for commissioners

The Genesee County Opioid Settlement Steering Committee on Sept. 18 reviewed a draft 2027 spending plan tied to $1.5 million in settlement funds and agreed to present a concise framework to the county commissioners at a Sept. 30 workshop.

Chair Dale Weyhill opened the meeting and said the group would take a block of time at the Sept. 30 session to "explore this topic in a more informal environment" before the commission. Marlene Collett, who identified herself as "Marlene Collett, Community Engagement Justice Services," said purchasing had provided recommended evaluation language and that staff would prepare a short slide deck and an exhibit E summary to circulate to commissioners in advance.

Committee members signaled broad support for presenting the RFP framework rather than the full draft language line-by-line. "We could even take a vote to adopt this as the framework that you'll be presenting at the workshop," the chair said, describing a one-page summary and PowerPoint as the expected presentation format. The committee agreed Marlene would prepare the materials and that the Sept. 30 session (5:30–7:30 p.m.) would be used for commissioner education and feedback.

The committee approved the Sept. 4 and Sept. 11 minutes after a quorum was reached; the chair noted that while commissioners might later modify RFP language, presenting a clear framework first would help commissioners provide informed guidance. The panel directed staff to ready the RFP drafts and the booth-ready summary for the upcoming workshop.