Butler County commissioners authorized a one‑year contract with the Substance Abuse Center of Kansas to place peer mentoring and addiction‑counseling services at the county jail.

Ryan Adkisson, assistant county administrator and finance director, told the board the contract covers one full‑time licensed addiction counselor and a peer mentor whose work will include assessments, court‑ordered assessments, setting up medication appointments, housing help and job searches and opening a case file so services are in place at discharge. Adkisson said the cost is "not to exceed $90,000" and will be paid from the jail commissary fund; the contract contains performance measures and a 3% annual increase provision for future renewals. "It's a 1 year contract with lots of, performance measures. So after a year, we'll know if recidivism is decreasing," Adkisson said.

Sheriff's office representatives and jail staff supported the recommendation, saying the services aim to reduce drug‑related recidivism by connecting inmates to services before release. Adkisson and others noted that some local partners already provide services on a limited basis (for example, an advocate from a women's safe house comes weekly). The board discussed whether services would be voluntary; Adkisson said inmates "will be offered the assessment" and the program will also perform court‑ordered assessments.

Commissioner Herzett moved to approve the contract and authorize the chair to sign; Commissioner Masterson seconded and the vote was 5‑0. County staff said the provider will hire the staff as contract employees and hoped to have services in place within weeks if the board approved.