( INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE ) — Most local governments haven’t started spending their opioid settlement dollars, according to a state report presented on Thursday.
Four towns failed to meet deadlines for reporting spending, leaving 644 localities in the analysis. Of those, 80% haven’t spent any of their restricted funds, while 82% haven’t dipped into their unrestricted accounts.
“As these record amounts of funds continue to flow into Indiana, the role of locals is vital,” said Shelby Thomas, the deputy director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement under Gov. Eric Holcomb.
“With that in mind, we’ve developed guidance for communities to consider as they look to submit their restricted funds,” Thomas continued. “Also included in this document is a list of tangible items that are not included as an allowable expense, as well as resources for those communities.”
The Family and Social Services Administration, the agency tasked with tracking such spending, presented the findings before the Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder.