Oklahoma County commissioners approved a transfer of $1,756,881.85 from the JUUL settlement account into the county’s opioid settlement fund to correct an earlier appropriation error. County staff said the transfer clarifies accounting because JUUL settlements and opioid settlements have different allowable uses.

County staff explained the difference in spending restrictions: "The opioid funds can be used, towards opioid abatement only, whereas the JUUL funds that we received from those settlements can be used towards anything except for lobbying," a staff member said during the meeting. Staff said the transfer corrects appropriations inadvertently made last year and will consolidate funds according to the restriction structures.

Staff reported that, pending the transfer and approval of appropriations at the June budget board meeting, the county will have $320,874.22 in dual funding available to use, and that after expected approvals the opioid settlement fund balance will be $2,878,013.40. Staff also reported the fund had earned $396,674.30 in interest, giving a combined balance of $3,595,561.92.

The staff member reported two settlement checks were received during the week of the meeting. When asked about timing limits on spending, staff replied, "There is no time limit." The transfer was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.