Sparks City Council Approves $1.38M Opioid Settlements with Purdue Pharma and Others

The Sparks City Council meeting on August 11, 2025, focused on several significant topics, primarily centered around opioid-related settlement agreements and infrastructure projects.

The council approved a major settlement agreement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, which is part of a national settlement addressing the opioid crisis. The city of Sparks anticipates receiving approximately $103,763.49 over ten years from this settlement, after attorney fees. Mayor Lawson highlighted that while the amount may not seem large, it contributes to the overall recovery efforts related to the opioid epidemic. The funds are designated for public health and safety initiatives, including medical, police, and fire services, but cannot be used for unrelated projects, such as the construction of a new stadium.

In addition to the Purdue Pharma settlement, the council also approved eight smaller settlements with various pharmaceutical companies, including Alvogen and Mylan, which collectively amount to nearly $9 million. Sparks' share from these settlements is expected to be around $15,976.97, also to be allocated for public health-related uses.

The meeting also included a discussion on an agreement with Corolla Engineers Inc. for the design and construction management of a boiler replacement project at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility. The total cost for this project is $882,588, with Sparks' share being approximately $276,867.86.

Overall, the council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to address the impacts of the opioid crisis and improve local infrastructure, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively for community health and safety.