COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
SUBJECT:
Volusia County Opioid Advisory Board Member Appointment
DEPARTMENT:
Police
SUMMARY:
In 2023, the City of Edgewater, along with a majority of other Volusia County governments, joined in a class action lawsuit against seven drug manufacturers over the dangers of opioid use and addiction. The suit was successful and a monetary judgment was awarded.
To oversee expenditures of this award, the Court required each county to establish a board. This board meets regularly to make recommendations to the County Council on the appropriate and beneficial use of the funds. The inaugural meeting of the board was held on Friday, February 24, 2023, with both the City Manager and the Chief of Police in attendance.
The City of Edgewater is required to appoint a representative to this board to safeguard the best interests of its citizens in the use of this settlement money. The board and its members fall under Florida’s Sunshine Law, but membership does not constitute dual office holding; therefore, there are no statutory restrictions on who may serve. The board is largely composed of law enforcement representatives, as they are directly impacted by the ongoing opioid crisis and its effects on the community.
On March 6, 2023, the City Council appointed Chief Joseph Mahoney to serve as Edgewater’s representative. However, with his appointment to Interim City Manager, Chief Mahoney is no longer able to serve in this capacity. It is therefore recommended that Captain Charles Geiger, Acting Chief of Police, be appointed to represent the City of Edgewater on the Opioid Advisory Board moving forward.
BUDGETED ITEM: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ Not Applicable
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ Not Applicable
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to appoint Captain Charles Geiger, Acting Chief of Police to the Volusia County Opioid Advisory Board.