Grant County approves grant applications and opts into national opioid settlement

At its March 16 meeting, the Grant County Board of Commissioners approved several funding-related items: submission of the 2027 community corrections grant application, participation in a recent national opioid settlement and follow-up on a previously allocated $75,000 ARPA demolition MOU for Jonesboro.

Community corrections director Mr. Cunningham asked for authorization to file the annual grant application covering electronic monitoring, high-risk supervision and reentry court screening for the 2027 calendar year. He warned the board that statewide cuts to community corrections grants occurred last year and that further reductions are possible; commissioners approved submitting the application by motion.

County staff told the board a recent national opioid settlement of about $97 million had been reached and asked the county to sign paperwork to opt in and seek its share. Commissioners voted to participate and referred the matter to the county opioid funds committee for compliance with settlement requirements.

Chair noted an MOU tied to $75,000 in ARPA funds set aside previously for demolition work in Jonesboro. Commissioners directed county legal and auditor staff to review the MOU and documentation (invoice and site photo) to determine whether the city qualifies for the funds or whether the MOU needs revision or deadline extension. The board indicated it may extend deadlines in the MOU if documentation supports the demolition expense.

The board approved the actions by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript.