Eight local organizations received funds Monday from the national opioid settlement during the meeting of the Montgomery County Commissioners. Recipients collected an aggregate total of $146,963.
The organizations provide services to residents who are combating addiction and in recovery.
Each recipient had applied for grant funds earlier this year through the Montgomery County Drug-Free Coalition. The funds will be used to cover costs for a variety of services such as transportation, counseling, insurance and even the opening of a restaurant in Waynetown for Through the Gate graduates.
Commissioner President John Frey thanked each organization for what they do for county residents.
Commissioners accepted the annual highway annual bids, which were opened at the Nov. 27 meeting. County Highway Director said there were 22 accepted bids — two more than in the previous year.
The Indiana Public Defender Commission was awarded a Title IV-E grant for the county’s public defender to all three Montgomery County courts. The grants are in the amount of $12,000 in 2024 and $6,000 in 2025. Commissioners accepted the grants.
Commissioners presented first readings of amendments to three health department to ordinances that will increase fees for several entities. The new fees will go into effect after the amendments are approved at the commissioner’s Dec. 20 meeting. Tattoo parlors, retail food establishments, swimming pool and spa operators will all pay fee increases beginning in 2024. Health Department Administrator Adrianne Northcutt reported the additional fees will help her department “break even” for the costs of performing inspections.
A final reading of an ordinance for recording the receipt of real estate and personal property tax payments was approved. The action met the new State Board of Accounts directive sent to all county treasurers to adopt the policy.
In other business, commissioners:
• Agreed to pay accounts payable claims in the amount of $9,105,753 and payroll in the amount of 4440,753.
• Approved the 2024 holiday calendar for county employees.
• Accepted annual reports for risk management report and internal controls.
The next commissioner meeting is at 8 a.m. Dec. 20 at the Montgomery County Government Center, 1580 Constitution Row.
