Commissioners approve $40,000 from opioid settlement to fund jail transition specialist

The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners approved using $40,000 from local opioid-settlement funds to support a full-time jail transition specialist provided by Four County Mental Health.

Steve Denny of Four County Mental Health told the commission the county'funded position helps connect people leaving the county jail to therapy, case management, medication services and housing. "What I've asked for is, $54,975.42," Denny said, describing the full annual cost for the role and asking that county opioid dollars cover $40,000 with KDADS/state funds making up the remainder. A Four County representative also reported the program delivered roughly 750 services to people in the county jail last fiscal year and noted decreases in state-hospital transports.

Commissioners questioned available balances and how gaps would be covered; staff reported about $40,000 in the county opioid fund and identified KDADS/state streams as sources for the remaining cost. Commissioner (speaker 14) moved to allocate $40,000 from county opioid funds and rely on KDADS for the rest; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call.

The action funds an existing, jail-based employee whose work the county said prevents higher-cost placements and supports reentry. The county noted the commitment is dependent on continued outside funding and that the position's time in the jail could be adjusted if gaps appear.

Next steps: staff will process the opioid-fund disbursement and coordinate with Four County Mental Health and KDADS to finalize the position's funding mix.