Hunt County Commissioners Approve Purdue Pharma Opioid Settlement Amid Bankruptcy Concerns

Hunt County officials are moving forward with significant decisions impacting emergency services and public health during the Commissioners Court Regular Session held on July 22, 2025. A key focus of the meeting was the proposed contract with AMR (American Medical Response) for emergency medical services, which exceeds the $50,000 threshold requiring careful consideration under the purchasing act.

The court discussed the need to either issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) or approve an order that would allow for exceptions to the purchasing act. The contract, which is expected to start at approximately $51,600 in its first year, includes necessary adjustments to indemnification and insurance clauses to align with county regulations. The court plans to revisit this item in a special session on July 29, 2025, to finalize the contract details.

In addition to the emergency services contract, the court approved a bankruptcy settlement agreement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family related to the ongoing opioid crisis. This decision allows the Texas Attorney General to proceed with a settlement that aims to provide financial resources to combat the effects of the opioid epidemic in the community. The court emphasized that pursuing an independent lawsuit would be prohibitively expensive and unlikely to yield better results.

Other notable discussions included the renewal of Hunt County Reinvestment Zone Number 9 and the approval of a lease agreement with the Greenville Board of Development for the second floor of the Exchange Building. This lease is expected to enhance community services and support local development initiatives.

As the court continues to address these pressing issues, the decisions made are poised to have lasting impacts on public health and emergency services in Hunt County, ensuring that residents receive the necessary support and resources. The upcoming special session will be crucial for finalizing the AMR contract and addressing any outstanding concerns.