Wellsburg officials discuss plans for opioid funds
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WELLSBURG - The Wellsburg Finance Committee met in a special meeting Tuesday afternoon to review its options for funding derived from West Virginia’s opioid settlement funds, before taking a formal vote during the city council meeting later that night.
"Our police officers have put in for money from the county," City Manager Erica Tamburin explained.
In August, the Wellsburg Police Department submitted requests for a portion of Brooke County’s approximately $1.1 million in opioid settlement funds on three initial requests – $43,441 for the purchase of a new cruiser for the city’s K-9 division, as well as $24,738.37 for the vehicle’s upfitting, and $1,745 for the purchase of chemical drug test kits.
A fourth request was for $5,600.
"We put it into four different projects," Wellsburg Police Capt. Lester Skinner said, expressing appreciation to Capt. Kyler Ferguson of the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department for guidance with the applications. "He helped the guys through the process."
In the meantime, Wellsburg has some of its own opioid funding remaining, which is now being earmarked for computers and other office supplies for use in the police department.
Officials felt it would be prudent to spend as much of those funds as possible prior to receiving anything from the county.
The city manager noted she had spoken with Brooke County Prosecuting Attorney Allison Cowden, who has been reviewing each of the applications submitted to Brooke County commissioners for a share of the county’s funds.
"It did sound very positive," Tamburin said, of the chances Wellsburg could receive an award.
Skinner said, while the hope is for all four requests to receive funding, the priority would be the money for the purchase of the new K-9 vehicle, to be used by Patrolman Caleb Minger and his new partner, Kimber.
"That car will probably last longer than the dog," Skinner said.
Police Chief Mike Allman noted there is the possibility of additional funds being made available by the state at a later time, providing more opportunity to fund projects.
Craig Howell
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(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)