Yukon approves joining Purdue, manufacturer opioid settlements; estimated local payouts cited

The Yukon City Council on Sept. 9 voted to approve Resolution No. 2025-10, authorizing the city to participate in opioid-related settlements including the thirteenth amendment to the Purdue bankruptcy plan and settlements with multiple generic manufacturers. Mayor Brian Hillmore and council members noted the city has been represented by outside counsel Todd Court of McAfee & Taft in the opioid litigation. Council members were told that participation is recommended and that estimated payments depend on full participation by eligible municipalities nationwide. Counsel’s preliminary calculation, shared with the council during the meeting, estimated Yukon could receive approximately $90,000 from the Purdue/Sackler-related settlement if maximum participation incentives are realized and about $35,000 from the “small manufacturers” group, though the city’s actual receipts will depend on the final allocation and which municipalities fully participate. The money is intended to be earmarked for opioid response and not placed in the general fund, council members said. Council members urged that settlement funds be used for treatment and services to help families and people currently battling addiction. Councilwoman Selby said she would like funds directed toward drug counseling, a possible drug court, and programs serving uninsured individuals. The council approved the resolution by unanimous recorded vote (Selby: yes; Schreiber: yes; Zimmerman: yes; Hillmore: yes). The action authorized the mayor or the mayor’s designee to sign subdivision participation forms and authorized litigation counsel to negotiate and enter into subdivision agreements with the state attorney general regarding secondary manufacturer settlements. No additional allocations were made at the Sept. 9 meeting; the council approved participation and delegated authority to counsel and the mayor to finalize agreements and to return to council with details as needed.