Committee eyes up to $1.5 million a year from opioid settlement, seeks state match

The Genesee County steering committee reviewed a draft spending concept that would anticipate up to $1.5 million a year in settlement-funded investments and discussed options to seek state matching funds.

Elizabeth Jordan summarized the draft funding assumptions: "a total annual investment of 1,500,000, maximum investment of 1,500,000 for the next few years," and noted the number was chosen because the county already had about $500,000 allocated and the committee would plan the additional funds around that base. Todd and others raised the possibility of applying for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) match grants or co-municipality applications that could expand the pool for transportation and other services.

Members asked staff to clarify how long the spending plan could be sustained and whether interest or further settlements would change projections. Cowick said she will coordinate with purchasing and finance for precise timelines and to prepare a spending-plan submission to the Board of Commissioners for review even if the committee lacks a formal quorum at the next meeting.