LEXINGTON, Ky. — Urban County Councilmembers pressed city officials for more specifics on how Lexington plans to spend millions in national opioid settlement money during a March 24 committee meeting, citing concerns about spending delays and the need for greater public input on the critical funding.

Mayor Linda Gorton presented initial priorities for the city's expected $30 million in settlement funds over 18 years, but several councilmembers said the framework lacked necessary detail, including specific spending amounts and timelines, according to reporting from CivicLex.

Lexington has already received its first payment of nearly $9 million from the national opioid settlement involving Johnson & Johnson and major pharmaceutical distributors. The city's proposed spending priorities include creating an interest-bearing account to grow the funds over time, supporting housing and treatment services, providing grants to local nonprofits, and expanding harm reduction efforts like naloxone distribution programs.

Vice Mayor Dan Wu questioned where the initial $9 million payment has been held since arriving in 2022 and pushed for clarity on spending timelines. Commissioner of Social Services Kacy Allen-Bryant said the city has maintained the funds in an interest-bearing account and hopes to distribute money this year, though specific amounts and targets haven't been finalized.

The city's approach reflects broader questions facing Kentucky and other states receiving settlement money. Kentucky's Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission oversees distribution of the state's share, which totals over $900 million, with half going to local governments.

Councilmember Whitney Elliott Baxter requested the city return with specific dollar amounts allocated to an endowment versus community grants. "It's a little nebulous, but we wanted to get these priorities to you right away," Gorton told the Council, offering to provide more detailed plans.

Councilmember Tyler Morton urged investing directly in people through grassroots and neighborhood organizations, while James Brown advocated for a balance that would invest most money into the community now while planning endowment savings for long-term sustainability. Settlement funds must be spent on opioid-related abatement efforts, including treatment, recovery services, and prevention programs, under state law.