Lynnwood council denies request to fund crime diversion program

The Lynnwood City Council voted 5-2 against a proposal to use $271,330 from the city's opioid settlement fund to sustain a law enforcement diversion program facing early termination. Councilmember George Hurst argued the program, which assists repeat offenders and those with substance abuse issues, is crucial for addressing retail theft in the community. The program has been funded by grants from the Washington State Department of Commerce, which were not renewed, leading to its planned end on June 15. Council President Nick Coelho expressed the need for a coherent strategy regarding the use of the one-time opioid funds, emphasizing the importance of considering other community funding requests. He stated, "This one-time fund has fallen in our city’s lap because of a painful and deadly opioid crisis.

" The firm Zachor, Stock & Krepps, which would have benefited from the funding, plans to apply for new grants in January to extend the program's operations. Without the council's approval, the program's future remains uncertain, impacting many who rely on its services. The decision reflects broader challenges in managing opioid settlement funds and their allocation in community programs.