Government
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Council approves opioid education program San Marcos City Council approved a $100,000 contract with Cenikor—a nonpro t drug rehabili- tation and mental health organization—to provide a program for opioid treatment, awareness and education on March 19. The background In September 2017, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and a bipartisan coalition of 40 other states began an investigation into eight companies that distribute or manufacture opioid drugs. City Council approved resolutions authorizing the city of San Marcos to opt in to the settlement agree- ments with opioid manufacturers on Dec. 15, 2021 and April 4, 2023 according to agenda documents. By opting into the settlements, the city may be entitled to $600,000 in monetary relief that could be used for drug treatment and diversion programs. About the program Cenikor will be integrating Medicated Assistant Treatment assessments with prevention education and harm reduction approaches to mitigate the impacts of opioid use within the community. Contract funds will go toward hiring a nurse Kyle council to receive health insurance In a 4-3 decision on April 2, Kyle City Council voted for the mayor and city council to receive access to health insurance. City Manager Bryan Langley told Commu- nity Impact that the city does not know who will opt into the insurance, and cost will vary. Explained Since health insurance is not considered a salary by law, amending the ordinance and budget does not violate State law or the City Charter, according to an email from Director of Communications Rachel Sonnier. The amendment to the budget would cost a maximum of $133,079 if all council mem- bers accepted the insurance and covered all dependents. The city will not have a nal number until April 19, which is when the enrollment period ends.
Buda Train Depot design moves forward Buda City Council selected a site design for the Buda Train Depot on March 5, which gives space for a plaza along Main Street that can be used for holiday and community celebrations. One more thing Although the building is being donated, the city will still need to pay for the reloca- tion and foundation reconstruction. Assistant Director of Development Services Will Parrish said the city does not have money allocated in the budget for the depot’s relocation; however, sta is in discussion with several contractors to deter- mine relocation and reconstruction costs.
Main goals and priorities of the opioid treatment and education program
Monitor residents utilizing Medication- Assisted Treatment Track engagement of healthcare providers in opioid prescription training Document the scope of the fentanyl education initiative Collaborate with Texas State University Evaluate the e ectiveness of media campaigns on opioid misuse prevention
SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOS COMMUNITY IMPACT
practitioner to administer MAT induction assessments and follow up on maintenance and medication orders. The budgeted $100,000 will also go toward hiring a part-time team member to document the full scope of services for the program, according to agenda documents. Cenikor will be providing training for local health- care providers and collaborating with the Hays County Local Health Department and other local entities to provide training and increased access to Naloxone, a medication that works to reverse an opioid overdose. Cenikor will also work to com- plete a fentanyl education initiative at local school districts, focusing on grades 6-12 and partner with Texas State University and other local stakeholders. The program runs from April 2024 to April 2025. Kyle looks towards November 2024 bond Kyle City Council may call a bond for a commu- nity center with a senior center, library functions and recreational space in the November 2024 election. On March 16, council held a special meeting to create a task force and bring back a recommenda- tion for an architectural rm. What you need to know According to City Manager Bryan Langley, the council is considering two potential sites for the community center: • City-owned property on Dacy Lane • Kyle Vista Park Langley said it was “too soon” to tell whether or not the bond would pose a tax increase. Council members thought they could issue a $70 million bond and stay under the $0.59 tax rate
BUDA AMPHITHEATER & CITY PARK
RAILROAD ST.
PROPOSED BUDA TRAIN DEPOT SITE
N
Potential sites for Community Center
A KYLE VISTA PARK B DACY LANE CITY OWNED PROPERTY
SUNFLOWER CIRCLE
A
35
B
N
SOURCE: CITY OF KYLE COMMUNITY IMPACT
authorized by the voters in 2022, however there was discussion about issuing a higher tax rate depending on the needs of the community. O ering input Tobias emphasized that the city needs to be prepared for a tax increase. “We have lots of visions, lots of wants, lots of needs, but we also have bills to pay at the end of the month here in our city,” Tobias said. If approved, the bond election would be called in August.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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