The Milwaukee County Committee on Finance convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the allocation of opioid settlement funds and the hiring of a government affairs contractor.

The meeting began with a motion regarding the hiring of a contractor for government affairs, which was confirmed to facilitate payments for the remainder of the year. Supervisor Balinski praised the government affairs team for their effective work, prompting a unanimous vote in favor of the motion.

Next, the committee received an informational report from Ashley Adsit, Director of Project and Performance Management, regarding opioid projects funded through settlement funds for fiscal years 2023-2025 and 2024-2026. The report highlighted the successful implementation of evidence-based strategies and the positive early results from these initiatives. Supervisor Allen expressed appreciation for the efforts made and looked forward to further updates.

The committee then reviewed a request for the allocation of $9,103,671 in opioid settlement funds to support projects in fiscal years 2026-2028. Heather Wolfgram presented a summary of the proposals from various departments, emphasizing the collaborative approach taken to enhance project proposals. The committee discussed the importance of targeting different demographics, including seniors, in their outreach efforts.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on staffing needs within the Medical Examiner's office, which has been impacted by the opioid crisis. Dr. Zwomack, the Chief Medical Examiner, explained that the office requires additional positions to manage the increased caseload due to drug-related fatalities. The committee explored the funding structure for these positions, considering whether they would be temporary or require ongoing support from the opioid settlement funds.

Overall, the meeting underscored Milwaukee County's commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic through strategic funding and resource allocation, while also ensuring that the necessary support systems are in place to manage the ongoing challenges posed by this public health crisis. The committee plans to continue monitoring the effectiveness of funded projects and the evolving needs of the community.