Commissioners discuss using opioid funds for recovery court, consider formal application process

Dickinson County commissioners discussed requests for opioid settlement funds and how the county should evaluate applications. County staff and commissioners said the county currently receives modest opioid settlement or opioid program dollars — staff estimated average annual receipts of about $19,000 — and that local organizations have requested roughly $50,000 per year in some proposals.

Commissioners and staff discussed creating a short preliminary application form (one page or two) so applicants must describe whether their program addresses public awareness, individual recovery services or other qualifying criteria. Commissioners noted Salina and Saline County have used a review committee that vets applications and makes funding recommendations; Dickinson County staff said Salina has appointed members and Saline County uses a combined panel to review the proposals.

County staff reported that Marcus is preparing cost projections for a recovery court so the county could consider using opioid settlement funds to pay some program costs rather than general tax dollars, and staff said they have discussed potential grant support with Patty O’Malley and others.

What happened next: county staff will continue to develop projections for a recovery court, consult potential partners and consider a simple application and review process for future opioid‑related awards. No formal funding decision was made at the meeting.

Why it matters: opioid settlement dollars are limited; commissioners said a transparent review process and clear criteria will help ensure funds support programs that provide public awareness, treatment or court‑based recovery services.