Greene County approves $60,448 opioid settlement spending plan

SNOW HILL — Greene County commissioners approved a resolution Monday directing how the county will spend $60,448 in opioid settlement funds during the 2026-27 fiscal year.

County Manager Kyle DeHaven said the spending was included in the budget ordinance, but a separate resolution was required under the opioid settlement process.

“The expense of the opioid settlement funds were just approved in the budget ordinance, but this is something above and beyond that the opioid settlement agreements that we are all part of ask us to do annually,” DeHaven said.

DeHaven said the resolution explains how the money will be used.

“It really is just a resolution that breaks out how some of the opioid funds will be spent in the current year,” DeHaven said.

The resolution authorizes spending in five categories: collaborative strategic planning, evidence-based addiction treatment, recovery support services, recovery housing support and naloxone distribution.

The largest portion, $36,427, is for evidence-based addiction treatment. According to the resolution, that money includes funding for a clinical social worker to provide mental and behavioral health services, a contract with a medical doctor to provide medication-assisted treatment and other services, travel and registration costs, and supplies for drug screenings and assessments.

The county also approved $14,365 for collaborative strategic planning. The resolution says that money includes contract, travel and registration costs for the Community Recovery Division director to manage opioid settlement funds, staff, reporting and programming.

Another $4,386 will be used for recovery support services. The resolution says that funding may support equipment and supplies, contracts with partner agencies, medication for uninsured residents, food and gas cards, telephone costs, postage, vehicle expenses and other support services.

Commissioners also approved $1,700 for recovery housing support. The resolution says the money is intended to support people in recovery through contracts with partner agencies that provide safe and sober transitional and permanent housing.

The final category, naloxone distribution, received $3,570. The resolution says that funding will support naloxone training and supplies, as well as a kiosk and supplies for naloxone, fentanyl test strips and other materials.

The resolution says Greene County has joined national settlement agreements with companies involved in the manufacturing, distribution and dispensing of opioids. Those funds are governed by state and local agreements that require counties to authorize and report specific spending strategies before using the money.

Commissioners approved the resolution by voice vote with no opposition heard.