ADRIAN, MI — As Lenawee County prepares to allocate more than $1.57 million in opioid settlement funds, members of the Bridging the Gap Subcommittee are raising concerns about the decision-making framework guiding those allocations.
While the county completed a comprehensive community needs assessment last year, some members say they have not seen a clear summary of the results — or a ranked list of priority needs — to help evaluate the nearly 30 proposals submitted for funding.
Others echoed the concern, noting that without a formal master plan, it may be challenging to weigh proposals fairly or consistently. One official cautioned that committee members might be influenced by the quality of the presentation rather than its long-term impact or community relevance.
Staff members acknowledged the concern and referred the committee to a detailed PowerPoint and supporting assessment materials available online, emphasizing that while the county’s data provides a strong foundation, it may need to be revisited as new trends and community needs emerge.
The discussion highlighted an ongoing challenge in the review process: striking a balance between individual insights and data-informed planning. Several committee members expressed interest in more explicit guidance on countywide priorities, including areas such as treatment access, youth education, housing, and maternal care, to help shape the final funding recommendations.
Presentations for funding proposals begin in July and are expected to continue through December. Recommendations are scheduled for early 2026.