Members warn settlement dollars may shrink; urge outreach to legislators

Committee members spent a substantial portion of the June 15 meeting discussing the future trajectory of settlement-derived opioid funds and how recent legal and legislative developments could reduce county revenues.

Several members said the county received about $900,000 last year and roughly $400,000 this year and raised concern that bankruptcies and a state-level legislative carve-out could shorten the lifespan of the settlement money. "Last year we received a little over $900,000. This year we got 400 some thousand," one member said while discussing sustainability scenarios.

Staff and members agreed the county cannot rely indefinitely on settlement receipts and recommended pursuing legislative outreach and potential appropriations to backfill programs if settlement income declines. Members discussed holding back some allocations to preserve funding for critical services while working with state legislators to secure longer‑term support.

The committee noted that some settlement streams were originally projected for longer terms (an 18‑year plan was referenced), but current trends—company bankruptcies and state budget moves—had shortened that timeline in practice. The group urged local advocates and "foot soldiers" in the recovery community to contact legislators and governors to press for sustained state-level funding if settlement receipts continue to fall.

The committee did not adopt a formal policy at the meeting but directed staff to consider funding pacing and to raise the issue with county commissioners and legislators as part of broader advocacy.