Cabarrus Commissioners Notebook: June 2024

Published on June 14, 2024

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Over an 18-year period, Cabarrus County will receive about $21 million from the national opioid settlement.  

A few months back, County officials set out to determine how those funds should be spent. They distributed a public survey and held discussions with a variety of organizations, including the Mental Health Advisory Board, the Early Childhood Taskforce, the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, local healthcare providers and other community partners.  

The results of those efforts were part of a strategic plan presented to commissioners by Assistant County Manager Aalece Pugh and John Eller of Health Management Associates. The breakdown was part of commissioners’ June Work Session.  

Results from the community survey “supported the identification of root causes of addiction, drug misuse, overdose, and related community issues and lifted community voices,” according to the report. “The input also supported the review of existing programs, services, and supports, as well as gaps in the local continuum of care.” 

The strategic plan prioritizes nine focus areas, including collaborative strategic planning, evidence-based addiction treatment, recovery support services, early intervention, prevention of overdose deaths, addiction treatment for incarcerated individuals, reentry programs, connecting people to assistance and addressing needs of pregnant women and their families. 

The funding will go to both County-operated programs and non-County organizations, the report says. Larger recipients include the Cabarrus County EMS and Sheriff’s Office Medication Assisted Treatment Programs and community-based youth education programs.  

Commissioners will review the strategic plan, and a vote is scheduled for the June Regular Meeting on June 17. If approved, Pugh and Eller would bring a resolution to Commissioners for approval at the July Work Session.  

During the June Work Session, commissioners also: 

  • Heard from an update from Camp T.N. Spencer Park Manager Jacob Wentink on a new pool contract. Huntersville-based Swim Club Management Group (SCMG) is the new operator and manager of the pool at the park. The company is responsible for hiring and training a pool manager, certified lifeguards, and other personnel as needed. The contract lasts until June 30, 2026. “So far we’ve been really pleased with them,” Wentink said. “The best thing about SCMG is that they had the pool showroom-ready weeks before (it) opened. It was the cleanest and clearest it’s ever looked.” The pool opened over Memorial Day weekend. Wentink also noted the company’s lifeguard pay rate and sufficient staffing, which were issues previous contractors struggled with. Since opening, the pool has consistently reached its maximum capacity of 150 people each weekend and several weekdays. Wentink credits SCMG for providing the consistency needed to meet the demand. The pool is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the weekend. Admission to the pool is $5 per person.  

To watch the full June Work Session, visit youtube.com/cabarruscounty

Commissioners are scheduled to vote to adopt the Recommended FY25 Budget at the June regular meeting, which is set for 6:30 p.m. on Monday (June 17) at the Cabarrus County Government Center at 65 Church St. S, Concord.  

Residents can explore budget components at engage.cabarruscounty.us, which provides a budget breakdown, FAQ, important links, infographics and more. With registration, users can provide input and stay updated on future budget communications.  

Watch commissioner meetings on the Cabarrus County livestream at cabarruscounty.us, on YouTube (@CabarrusCounty) and on CabCo TV (Spectrum Cable Channel 22).  

Stay updated on these and all County programs and projects by visiting cabarruscounty.us and following Cabarrus County at facebook.com/cabarruscounty and on Twitter and Instagram @CabarrusCounty.  

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