Decatur County commissioners rescind $25,000 award, approve $2,000 to SADD and $80,000 payment to ARC contingent on Recovery Works funding

The Decatur County Board of Commissioners voted to rescind a previously contingent $25,000 opioid fund award to Esperanza House and approved two new JRAC recommendations related to local recovery programs.

Judge Day, presenting the JRAC recommendations, told the board the $25,000 to Esperanza House was contingent on matching funds that were not secured and asked the board to rescind that award. The motion to rescind passed with no opposition recorded.

The board then approved a $2,000 award from unrestricted opioid funds to SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) at Greensburg High School; JRAC said the board’s subcommittee had voted unanimously to recommend the award for prom-time programming. Judge Day said the amount was small but timely for the group’s prevention activities.

On a larger request, JRAC asked the commissioners to approve $80,000 toward the mortgage for the ARC. Judge Day said the $80,000 would not fully pay off the mortgage but would reduce the balance to a level that would allow the ARC to refinance at more favorable terms and that JRAC’s approval would be contingent on the ARC applying for and receiving Recovery Works funding. “Our request is that $80,000 be paid toward the ARC’s mortgage contingent upon them participating and qualifying for Recovery Works,” Judge Day said. The board approved the contingent payment and directed staff to document the contingency: JRAC will submit proof of Recovery Works eligibility and Judge Day will notify the auditor in writing when the condition is met.

JRAC staff said the $80,000 would come $40,000 from restricted opioid funds and $40,000 from unrestricted funds; staff also noted they are confirming that previously authorized vehicle and mortgage funds have been spent as intended.

The board recorded the motions and carried each without recorded opposition. Next steps: JRAC will provide documentation of Recovery Works participation to the auditor before funds are released to the ARC.