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Council discusses using $53,003.56 in opioid settlement funds; staff asked to draft resolution
Summary
Councilors reviewed unspent opioid settlement funds received by the city and asked staff to draft a resolution creating a separate cash account so the money remains earmarked while the council and community partners develop spending priorities.
Plattsburgh Common Council members reviewed an unspent opioid settlement payment and asked staff to prepare a resolution establishing a separate cash account to hold the money while they work with community partners on spending priorities.
Councilor Amy raised the matter from a prior meeting, saying the city received $53,003.56 in opioid settlement funds and that the money has not yet been spent. Councilors and staff discussed identifying “important things that we can use that money for that’ll help our community,” including consultation with the community services board and local mental-health and addiction providers, according to the meeting record.
Mayor and staff representatives said the funds are restricted and that staff will circulate the email that outlines allowable uses. Councilor Amy and others asked Richard and Casey to prepare a resolution that would establish a distinct cash account for the settlement funds so the money would be “kept available, kept top of mind” while the council works with partners to propose uses.
No final allocation or formal vote on spending was made during the session. Councilors discussed next steps: staff will confirm the legal restrictions on spending, share the guidance email to the full council, and present a draft resolution establishing the separate account for council consideration.
The discussion included a request that the community services board and local providers be consulted on potential programs; multiple councilors emphasized coordinating with existing providers rather than duplicating services. The mayor and staff indicated that the city has been receiving recurring settlement disbursements in recent years and that the amount may change in future distributions.
The conversation concluded with staff agreeing to circulate the guidance and to prepare a draft resolution for a future council meeting so the council can decide how to allocate the funds once the allowable uses and delivery options are clear.
