Board of Health backs warrant article to convert opioid settlement fund

SUDBURY — January 9, 2024 — Sudbury Board of Health backs warrant article to redirect opioid settlement funds for regional hire. The board voted 3-0 Tuesday to support a May Town Meeting warrant article revoking the town's opioid settlement stabilization fund so the treasurer can place future payouts into a more flexible special revenue fund. Health Director Vivian Zeng said the stabilization vehicle would tie any salary line "to a vote at town meeting annually," an "extreme barrier" to hiring a full-time regional substance use coordinator through the Great Meadows Public Health Collaborative. Grant coordinator Kelly Callow reported Public Health Excellence funding rose from $300,000 to $447,064 this fiscal year, and the regional inspector completed 170 inspections in 2023. Sudbury also plans to host a regional childhood vaccine hub serving Bedford and Concord migrant shelters, with a draft MOU under town counsel review.