The Erie County Legislature’s Majority Caucus supported the proposed Opioid Response Plan today after amending the resolution to require a summative evaluation of the program to ensure tax dollars are being utilized effectively.

The County Executive’s proposal allocated $375,000 to create a local hotline to those in need of assistance for themselves or a loved one battling opioid or heroin addiction. However, the funding is being spent from surplus, meaning it will run out Dec. 31, 2016. In order for the hotline to continue past this year, funding will need to be identified in the 2017 budget. The Majority Caucus, with the support of all Legislators, added an amendment that requires County Executive Mark Poloncarz to meet with the Legislature in September to present the results of the hotline to date in order to best decide how to go forward.

“Since the County Executive proposed spending tax dollars on a new hotline to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic I have received mixed reactions. While there are supporters, I have heard from many professionals and those personally impacted by this crisis who question if the proposal is going to have the impact we need. They believe the funding could be best used in another capacity. If we are going to be serious about fighting this battle, there has to be a real commitment and steps taken that save lives,” said Legislator Dixon, Chairwoman of the Health and Human Services Committee. “That is why in nine months we will sit down with the County Executive, in a public meeting, to have this discussion and determine if the hotline is a solution we should continue to invest in.”

“If we are going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a hotline, we have to be sure that it makes a significant difference. If it doesn't we should spend it on something that does. That is why we are requiring the summative evaluation and not simply data on number of calls. A summative evaluation is an evaluation to determine if the policy accomplishes its objectives,” added Legislator Kevin Hardwick.

The Majority Caucus is committed to working with the administration to identify ways the county can help in the fight against opioid and heroin addiction, however the county is also facing serious financial concerns with limited fund balance and declining sales tax revenue.

If you have any concerns about county matter, please contact your Legislator or contact the Legislature at 858-7500.