County pulls back on funding decision

Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition will be looking elsewhere for its sober living facility.

Jay County Commissioners on Monday rescinded a decision to allocate $35,060 for a feasibility study and earnest money toward Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition purchasing a building in Redkey.

During Redkey Town Council’s meeting Dec. 21, residents aired their disapproval of the county converting the building at 319 N. Meridian St. into a recovery residence for those who have struggled with addiction. Julie Barlow, who lives nearby, pointed to a lack of amenities and resources in Redkey. She and others also expressed safety concerns. Town council president Erik Hammers shared a petition against the facility, which he said would be taken around town.

In response to Redkey’s rebuttal, commissioner Brian McGalliard suggested rescinding the motion Monday, explaining Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition is now looking at options to build a new structure for the facility. He said Redkey’s building had been the only suitable structure available, and he pointed out construction will likely cost two to three times the price of an existing building.

Indiana is receiving about $507 million over an 18-year period as part of the National Opioid Settlement. According to Next Level Recovery Indiana — in.gov/recovery — the county is expected to receive nearly $1.33 million over a 15-year period. 

Each municipality will also receive funding, varying between $1,000 for Salamonia to $52,500 for Portland. As of Monday, Jay County has received $149,708.37 in restricted funds and $28,801.06 in unrestricted funds.

Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition formed a task force per commissioners’ request to determine how to spend the money. The group decided on a recovery residence, which falls under the settlement’s guidelines for restricted funds. It will be operated by Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition.

The task force had recently made an offer on the Redkey home, but before closing on the property, it had to conduct a feasibility study and seek additional grants. McGalliard noted the down payment would have given the group time to determine if the location was viable.

“The sole purpose of this was to determine whether even that was a building that was reasonable to use,” explained McGalliard.

In order to be certified by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, the facility would also need to meet certain structural standards, such as specific allotments for sleeping space and amenities. It will house up to 16 men, one of whom would be the house manager.

“It boils down to when they come out of prison, jail, we can turn them loose on the street, or give them an option for this where we can help teach them,” said McGalliard. “Some people don’t know how to get a job. They can’t even go on an application, balance a checkbook, or anything like that. This facility will teach a lot of life skills, plus we’ll bring in counselors and so forth to work with people that (are) at this facility.”

Michael Keller of Redkey requested Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition put together information for those who oppose the project. He referenced Barlow expressing safety concerns for her grandchildren.

“You’re going to get a lot of pushback whether (you) spend a dollar or a million dollars unless people understand more of the process,” he said.

Answering a concern from another Redkey resident about space for sober living facility residents to do recreational activities, McGalliard said the facility will need to have transportation available regardless. He also noted those in recovery at the facility wouldn’t be the only folks living in Jay County who have struggled with addiction.

“Contrary to popular belief, people with drug addictions are living in every neighborhood throughout Jay County,” McGalliard said.

Commissioners agreed to rescind the motion.