During a recent city council meeting, the Roanoke City Council approved several significant funding measures aimed at enhancing community programs and addressing pressing issues such as opioid abatement and emergency services.

The council unanimously accepted and appropriated funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Fatherhood Engagement and Support Program. This initiative, facilitated through the Virginia Department of Social Services, aims to promote fatherhood engagement within the community. The resolution allows the city manager to execute necessary documents to implement and manage the funds effectively.

In addition, the council approved the acceptance of $952,443 in new opioid settlement funds from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. This funding will support various opioid abatement projects, with an additional rollover of $602,608 from previous allocations. The council also passed a budget ordinance to amend the 2024-2025 grant fund appropriations to accommodate these funds.

Further funding was secured through the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, with the council authorizing the acceptance of a grant for FY 25. This resolution also included a budget ordinance to amend the relevant sections of the grant fund appropriations.

The council also addressed funding for the Hazardous Materials Response Team, approving a resolution to accept pass-through funding from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. This measure designates the Roanoke Fire EMS as fiscal agents for the distribution of these funds.

Lastly, the council accepted funding from the Virginia Department of Health for the \"Four for Life\" program, which supports emergency medical services. This funding is part of the city's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and health services.

All resolutions and budget ordinances passed with unanimous support from the council members, reflecting a strong commitment to improving community welfare and addressing critical public health issues.