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Routt County joins Colorado in accepting Purdue Pharma bankruptcy settlement and authorizes signatory approval
Summary
Commissioners unanimously approved county participation in the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy settlement (and related secondary-manufacturer settlements), authorizing the chair and county attorney to sign required documents and court votes.
Routt County commissioners voted unanimously to participate in settlements flowing from the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy, authorizing the chair and the county attorney to sign settlement documents and related bankruptcy-court votes. County legal staff explained the settlement arises from Purdue’s bankruptcy and that funds coming to Colorado would be distributed through the state’s regional opioid abatement councils, of which Routt County is a participant.
Why it matters: County legal staff told commissioners the state expects roughly $75,500,000 to flow to Colorado under the plan; the transcript shows staff also noted the Sackler families would contribute a separate payment described in the meeting as “$6.5” (as stated in the presentation), and that Purdue Pharma as an entity will be dissolved under the bankruptcy plan with creation of a new nonprofit-like foundation. The county attorney recommended participation and the commissioners agreed that local participation helps ensure Routt County receives allocated funds through the regional council structure.
Supporting details: County staff recommended authorizing the chair and county attorney to sign both the Purdue settlement and separate settlements with secondary manufacturers so the county would not need to return to commissioners for each related document. Commissioners asked whether this was the end of the litigation; county counsel said additional settlements with secondary manufacturers were likely and other litigation against different parties may remain open.
Decision: By motion and unanimous voice vote the board approved participation in the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy settlement and authorized the chair and county attorney to sign settlement and bankruptcy-related documents, including anticipated secondary-manufacturer agreements. Ending: County staff said the county’s role will largely be to pass funds to regional abatement programs and to monitor the state’s distribution processes; commissioners asked to be kept apprised of follow-up materials from the Attorney General’s office.
