Ohio County authorizes attorney to accept Sackler bankruptcy plan and sign settlement paperwork

County attorney Justin briefed the court on a proposed bankruptcy plan and settlement associated with the Sackler family and opioid litigation. He said the settlement includes a bankruptcy plan mechanism that would distribute funds to participating governmental entities, but that the county's eventual share depends on how many other governments file and participate under the plan. Justin asked the court to authorize him to accept the bankruptcy plan on the county's behalf and to sign the necessary paperwork. A magistrate made the motion to authorize acceptance and signature; the court seconded and approved the request, and authorized the county attorney to sign the documents needed to participate in the plan. Why it matters: the Sackler settlement is the mechanism through which some national opioid-settlement funds may be distributed to counties and municipalities; the county attorney said the amount the county would receive is not yet known because it depends on the number of claimants and details of participation. The court recorded no additional discussion in open session about estimated dollar amounts; the county attorney noted that participation is optional but recommended by counsel, and the court voted to authorize the attorney to proceed.