Kent weighs allocation of $8,000 opioid funds

KENT — With a little over $8,000 in opioid settlement funds in hand, the Board of Selectmen discussed options for putting the funds to use during its regular meeting on Thursday, Dec. 1.

First Selectmen Jean Speck noted that area towns have used the funds in differing ways, including supporting local EMS departments by purchasing supplies to treat overdose cases.

One option Speck suggested would be to fund training in treating overdoses, or perhaps to purchase one or more NaloxBox kits for the town. Such boxes are available at $375 each, without the Naloxone that is to be administered as an overdose treatment.

Selectman Rufus de Rham suggested focusing the opioid funds on helping families and individuals struggling to recover from addiction.

The selectmen agreed to discuss use of the funding during the coming months. There is no deadline by which funds must be spent, Speck noted. The opioid settlement payments will continue over several years, although the allocation amount will be likely to lessen over time.

Responding to resident Kathleen Lindenmayer’s suggestion that the Kent Town Hall be dedicated to honor the service to the town of Maureen Brady, Speck created a draft of a resolution to be considered by the selectmen.  The resolution would clear the way for installing a plaque honoring Brady and dedicating the Town Hall to her in appreciation for her years of working in the town’s interest.

Speck reported that Brady’s service to the town has spanned 40 years, including being the first woman elected as First Selectman (in 1985). As First Selectman, Brady oversaw the construction of the new Town Hall and its completion in 1989.

Today, her service continues in the post of Registrar of Voters.

“She was a builder of relationships and partnerships,” Speck said of Brady’s time as First Selectman.

While selectmen de Rham and Glenn Sanchez emphasized that they were in no way opposed to the idea, both wanted to give more thought to the resolution. Sanchez indicated that it represents a big move and he would like the decision postponed until their next meeting.

“We need to look at it and think about the wording,” de Rham said of the resolution.