Roswell council approves Lighthouse contract to open opioid treatment clinic; council seeks coordination with local providers

The Roswell City Council approved a contract on March 12 to bring Lighthouse (Carlsbad) to the community to operate an opioid treatment and certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) using available opioid settlement funds and local support.

City staff described the contract as closely modeled on an Eddy County agreement and said it includes funds to plan and renovate a vacant building near the airport, a 10‑year lease arrangement with an estimated lease value cited by staff at $1.3 million and startup underwriting for specified staff positions. City management said Lighthouse plans to treat roughly 200 people per month once established and expects the operation to create about 40 local jobs.

Members of the public and several councilors urged the city to ensure meaningful coordination between Lighthouse and existing local nonprofits and volunteer organizations that already provide crisis response and behavioral‑health services. Mikaela Mertz, who identified herself as director of a local volunteer community medical emergency service, asked the council to convene local providers with Lighthouse before finalizing the contract so local groups understand roles and gaps. Councilors also received a request from a member of the public to delay approval by a month to allow those meetings; management said a longer delay could jeopardize certification and funding deadlines for the provider.

Councilor Cavan moved approval of the contract; Councilor Gass seconded. The agenda reflected a request for Councilor Arnold to recuse herself from the vote, which the council granted; a voice/roll tally was reported in the record as nine in favor, none opposed and one recusal. The motion carried and the contract was approved that evening.

Management said the contract requires the provider to operate as a certified community behavioral health clinic and to engage meaningfully with local stakeholders as a matter of program requirements and reporting. City staff also said the procurement officer had determined the procurement was lawful under applicable statutes and that the contract mimics other counties’ successful local arrangements.

What happens next: staff will execute the contract and begin site planning and reporting requirements. Councilors directed staff to facilitate introductions between Lighthouse and local providers and asked for periodic updates on community engagement and contract compliance.