The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) convened on December 2, 2024, to address several key issues impacting the community, particularly focusing on public health and infrastructure funding.

The meeting began with a commendation for Crystal Weatherly, a peer support specialist, who has significantly contributed to reducing overdose incidents in the county. In 2022, Montgomery County reported over 220 overdoses, a figure that has dramatically decreased to 50 reported overdoses with only one fatality in 2023. This positive trend was attributed to Weatherly's efforts and the collaboration with First Health and Vital Strategies, highlighting the importance of community partnerships in addressing public health crises.

Following this discussion, the board moved to the consent agenda, which included the appointment of Russ Hollis as county attorney and Misty Coffin as clerk to the board. Both appointments were approved unanimously.

The county manager then presented a report on the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, totaling over $5 million. The board discussed the necessity of adopting five resolutions to change the allocation of these funds primarily towards infrastructure improvements, specifically targeting enhancements to the county's water system. The manager emphasized the critical nature of these improvements, noting that the county lacks emergency interconnections for water supply.

To meet federal requirements and avoid reverting the funds, the board was advised to adopt policies related to eligibility determination, record retention, nondiscrimination, allowable costs, and conflict of interest. These policies are essential for ensuring proper management and reporting of the allocated funds. The urgency of the matter was underscored, as the timeline for contracting the project is tight, and the board aims to secure the funding for necessary water system upgrades.

The meeting concluded with a call for a motion to approve the proposed resolutions, reinforcing the board's commitment to improving essential services for the residents of Montgomery County. The next steps will involve finalizing the policies and moving forward with the infrastructure projects to enhance the county's water system.