Gahanna council adopts resolution to join secondary opioid‑manufacturer settlement

City council on Oct. 6 approved a resolution authorizing the city attorney to enter into a secondary opioid‑manufacturer settlement, part of the broader suite of nationwide opioid settlements.

City Attorney Tamela Larson told council the secondary‑manufacturer form had not appeared in committee because it was a distinct participation form from the earlier Purdue (primary manufacturer) paperwork: “This is in relationship to secondary manufacturers, whereas the first one is a primary manufacturer, Purdue Direct,” Larson said. She told council the funds would carry the same restrictions as other opioid settlement funds.

Councilman Schnetzer moved to adopt Resolution 44‑2025; Councilman Weaver seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous with Councilmembers Schnetzer, Weaver, McGregor, Padova, Renner, Bowers and Jones voting yes and the motion carrying.

The resolution authorizes the city attorney to sign the participation documents so Gahanna can receive its share of settlement funds from participating secondary manufacturers. Larson said the item did not go through Committee of the Whole due to confusion over the separate forms required for participation. Larson also noted the funds will have “the same restrictions as the other funds.”

No further details about the expected settlement amount for Gahanna or an implementation plan were provided during the meeting; Larson offered to update council as litigation and settlements proceed.

Next steps: City staff will complete the participation paperwork and monitor distribution and restrictions associated with the settlement funds; council will receive future updates as amounts and allowable uses are clarified.