The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has taken another step to prepare for the use of $8 million in opioid settlement money expected to come to the county in the next 18 years.
The funds are coming to the county as a result of a multi-state settlement with drug makers over the use of opioids.
In early November, the board approved the recommendations of the Berrien County Opioid Task Force and issued a request for funding proposals. On Thursday, the board voted to create an Opioid Settlement RFP Review Team and an Opioid Settlement Oversight Committee.
The Review Team will review and score proposals submitted for use of the funds. It will include the county medical director, the specialty court manager, corporate counsel, sheriff, health officer, prosecutor, and two commissioners.
The Oversight Committee will consist of 15 members and will meet at least quarterly to review how opioid funds are being used. Members will include the health department, the sheriff’s department, Riverwood, and local clergy.
The county will receive its first round of funding, around $1 million, between next year and 2026.
Also Thursday, the board approved a resolution applauding the work of the Berrien County Opioid Task Force, which has been meeting for more than a year to discuss uses of the settlement money.
