At its November meeting, the Shasta County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to invite local organizations to apply for up to $1.5 million of the county’s opioid settlement money. The 4‑1 vote, with Supervisor Kevin Crye dissenting, marks a shift toward a more structured, transparent process after years of ad‑hoc allocations.
Background on the settlement
The county’s share of the landmark 2018 opioid lawsuit was awarded at $38.9 million, to be paid in annual installments through fiscal year 2038‑2039. To date, more than $13 million has been deposited, with the remainder slated to arrive over the next decade. California law requires that at least half of the settlement be spent on “high‑impact” abatement activities, such as treatment, prevention and law‑enforcement support.
Why a new RFP matters
Previous distribution of the funds was criticized for lacking a standardized review process. In late 2024, Supervisor Crye, then board chair, invited organizations to pitch projects in a rapid‑fire format that many stakeholders felt bypassed expert input and evidence‑based planning. Only four of the twenty presenters ultimately received money.
Recognizing those concerns, the board’s latest action creates a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) and appoints a three‑member committee of county staff to evaluate submissions. The committee includes Deputy CEO Erin Bertain, Chief Probation Officer Tracie Neal, and Health and Human Services Agency Branch Director Cindy Lane. Their role is to assess proposals against the settlement’s statutory priorities and advise the supervisors on allocations.
How the process will work
Interested nonprofits, health agencies, educational institutions and other qualified entities will submit detailed proposals outlining project goals, budgets, timelines and measurable outcomes. The staff‑led committee will review each application for compliance with the settlement’s high‑impact criteria, financial soundness and alignment with community needs.
Although the committee will provide recommendations, the final decision remains with the elected supervisors, preserving local accountability while adding a layer of professional oversight.
Potential impact for the community
When used effectively, the settlement funds can expand treatment options, support prevention programs for youth, and bolster law‑enforcement efforts to curb illegal opioid distribution. By requiring evidence‑based metrics, the board hopes to maximize the return on taxpayer‑funded money and reduce the controversy that has accompanied past disbursements.
What’s next
The RFP is expected to be released within the next few weeks, with a submission deadline likely set for early 2027. Organizations are encouraged to begin preparing comprehensive plans that demonstrate clear, measurable benefits for Shasta County residents.
County officials say the new process reflects a commitment to responsible stewardship of the settlement, ensuring that the funds serve the intended purpose of mitigating opioid‑related harm while respecting the taxpayers who funded the original lawsuit.
Original reporting: Shasta Scout (Redding) — read the source article.
