County distributes opioid monies

Over $400,000 in opioid settlements were handed out by the Clay Fiscal Court during their monthly meeting.

The money is part of the state’s $26 billion settlement with various drug makers from the nation’s three major pharmaceutical distributors.

Agencies file applications on how they will use the money to fight the opioid epidemic.  The court chooses which agencies receive funding.

“This money will help these agencies fight our ongoing battle with opioid abuse,” County Judge-Executive Tommy Harmon said.  “We (the fiscal court) wish them the best in this vital fight.”

The court also approved a slight increase in monthly garbage bills.

Parks and Woods Sanitation representatives spoke at the meeting about increased dump fees.

“We are barely making it right now, and the prices keep going up,” Scott Smith of Parks Sanitation said.  “With this slight increase, we (Clay County) are still cheaper than other surrounding counties.”

The rate will increase from $17 to $20 per month.  That’s in comparison to Laurel County’s rate of $35 per month.