Kirksville council authorizes city manager to join additional opioid settlement agreements

The Kirksville City Council on first and second readings approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute documents allowing Kirksville to participate in additional secondary manufacturer opioid settlement agreements. Rodney Sadler, deputy city manager, told the council the matter covers eight additional settlements and requires a deadline-driven signup.

The authorization “allows the city to participate,” Sadler said, but he added the city does not yet know how much the municipality will receive or the exact distribution process. He said past settlements have been “very specific on what this can be used for.”

The ordinance was read aloud by the city clerk and moved and seconded on both readings; council members voted to approve on both first and second reading. Council member Steele moved approval on first reading with Council member Walston seconding; a second-reading motion was moved by Council member Gardner and seconded by Council member Bansell. The council voted in favor on both readings.

Nut graf: The council’s action preserves Kirksville’s option to collect future settlement funds from opioid litigation against manufacturers, while staff and city leaders wait for allocation rules and amounts to be finalized. Distribution rules from prior settlements have limited eligible uses.

Rodney Sadler said the city manager’s signature would enable Kirksville to be included before the sign-up deadline; he asked the council to approve so the city can pursue potential funds for local programs. The council held no public comment on the item before voting.

Ending: City staff will return with details once settlement allocation formulas and allowable uses are clarified, Sadler said.