LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved $5.2 million in spending from the city's opioid settlement funds during a work session Tuesday, allocating resources to address the crisis through housing initiatives and community support programs.

The council voted to allocate $3 million toward a tiered community grant program for local nonprofits, with funding divided between annual micro grants and biennial macro grants. The decision drew support from council members seeking to expand funding for opioid abatement efforts. An additional $2.2 million was approved for the Homelessness Task Force recommendations, reflecting the city's focus on supportive housing as a key strategy for addressing substance use disorders.

The city expects to receive approximately $30 million over an 18-year period from opioid litigation settlements. Over the next 16 years, Lexington will receive yearly payments that will total $14,332,969 from litigation against large opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Commissioner Kacy Allen-Bryant presented the spending plan, which emphasizes long-term sustainability alongside immediate intervention needs. A third motion to allocate $3 million to an interest-bearing account was withdrawn after discussion about balancing current needs against future resource planning.

Councilmember Morton expressed disappointment that funding wasn't allocated for additional positions within the city's substance use disorder intervention office, citing the need for expanded staffing to implement the growing portfolio of opioid abatement programs.

The city's broader opioid spending priorities, approved earlier this year, include supportive housing and wrap-around treatment services, support for community corrections treatment programs, harm reduction efforts including naloxone distribution, and an opioid response and recovery conference.

The council also approved several other items, including contracts for police promotional services and equipment leases, and an agreement to convey surplus property to Liberty Station, LLC.