A new drug treatment program required for those behind bars could have a positive impact, but cost millions of dollars at the same time.

For now, Chautauqua County is looking to use some of the opioid settlement funds it received, with hopes the state will eventually pick up more of the tab.

County Sheriff Jim Quattrone said last year New York state passed a law requiring all counties offer Medically Assisted Treatment in their jails. They gave counties one year to develop and implement the plan, which took effect earlier this month.

During a phone interview, Quattrone said the state was slow in giving guidance for the program, waiting until August for the details. Initial cost estimates were about $2.5 million in 2023, but that has since been lowered by 60%.

According to Quattrone, Medically Assisted Treatment is going to need six staff: two licensed practical nurses, one registered nurse supervisor, one registered psychiatric nurse, one behavior health nurse, and an operator assistant. They also have to pay for the drugs uses.

The program requires counties to use three drugs for those with an opioid addiction: Suboxone, Vivitrol and methadone.

“The medical providers and the doctors will determine which one is most appropriate for the individual,” Quattrone said.

According to county Budget Director Kathleen Dennison, the county is budgeting $1,085,872 for 2023.

Chautauqua County is receiving a multi-year settlement from a number of companies involved in manufacturing, distributing, and selling opioids and is using some of that money for pay for the program next year.

According to New York Attorney General Letitia James, her office has reached opioid settlements totaling over $1.6 billion for the state.

County Finance Director Kitty Crow said Chautauqua County is scheduled to receive payments through 2038, totaling $5,952,734. In 2022, the county received $1,664,896 and in 2023, the county is scheduled to receive $274,952.

A quick look at the program costs can see that the opioid settlement funds won’t come close to paying for it, especially down the road. That’s part of the reason why Quattrone still has concerns about it.

Right now the county is setting aside a little over $1 million for the Medically Assistant Treatment program but that might not be enough in 2024 and beyond. “If all the people that we believe would be potentially eligible, we figure that would be roughly 75-80% of the jail population. … At 80% would be roughly $2.5 million,” he said.

The state did give the county $100,000 through its Office of Addiction Services And Supports but a lot more is needed long-term. “In the law, there are mentions that the state may help fund this program, but they haven’t given us numbers,” explained Quattrone.

Setting the cost aside, Quattrone said he hopes the program can help reduce repeat offenders. “I feel if those who take advantage of the Medically Assisted Treatment in the jail and follow through when they are released with treatment and counseling, it could potentially have a positive effect, helping those who are struggling,” he said.

During a recent Audit and Control Committee meeting, Legislator Dan Pavlock, R-Sinclairville, expressed some reservations using opioid funds for only those in the jail. “What is the best form of treatment in our community as far as getting people off (of drugs)? Is money best spent in this area or is there a better program that we can utilize some of those funds outside of the jail?” he asked.

County Executive PJ Wendel said he understands where Pavlock is coming from but said the state wants the opioid funds to be used more for treatment than prevention. “We do utter those pieces of prevention; that is our goal. But my understanding is the intent right is now the use for treatment,” he said.

Wendel said he will be lobbying the state to increase funding this program. “This is an unbearable cost that’s coming on our communities. If the state is going to implement and mandate this, then there needs to be funding for that as well,” he said.