CARIBOU, Maine — The Aroostook County Board of Commissioners voted on February 21 to establish an Aroostook County Opioid Task Force to help make recommendations to the County Commissioners on the use and expenditure of the County’s Opioid Settlement Funds.
“We have been taking this very slowly as we wanted to see what parameters the State of Maine might develop or ways that local counties can partner with the State to leverage these funds,” County Administrator Ryan Pelletier explained to the commissioners.
According to information provided by Pelletier, Aroostook County is estimated to receive $2.7 million over the next 16 years in various amounts and disbursements from the Opioid Settlement. To date, the County has received $391,000.
Pelletier recommended the Task Force be comprised of nine individuals including himself as Administrator; Sheriff Peter Johnson; and Finance Director Dana Gendreau. The other six public members will be appointed by the commissioners. The board approved Pelletier’s recommendation and added that the three Commissioner Districts would equally be represented by two members each.
“Ultimately, how these funds will be spent will be up to the Commissioners. I see this task force as a resource to help develop the parameters and application for funding and make recommendations to the board as to the appropriate,” Pelletier said.
The County is now accepting applications from interested individuals who would like to be considered for appointment to the task force. Interested individuals should email their letter of interest and qualifications to Pelletier at ryan@aroostook.me.us or mail them to 144 Sweden Street, Suite 1, Caribou, ME 04736. Deadline for letters of interest is March 29.
For more information, please contact Pelletier at 207-493-3318.
