Cumberland to consider joining new Purdue and manufacturers opioid settlements; outside counsel recommends approval

Sanford Heidler co-managing partner Christine Dunn summarized two opioid-related resolutions to the Cumberland Board of Supervisors on Aug. 25 and recommended the county participate in both settlements. Dunn told the board the first resolution would approve the new Purdue bankruptcy reorganization plan and allow Cumberland, which previously filed a proof of claim, to vote on acceptance. She said the deal includes approximately $6.5 billion in payments from the Sackler family over 15 years plus about $900 million payable from the Purdue estate, and that the new plan replaces a prior settlement invalidated by the U.S. Supreme Court. The second resolution would join an approximately $720 million nationwide settlement with eight manufacturers (Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun and Zydus). Dunn said Virginia's attorney general has approved the manufacturer settlements and that a localityshare is calculated under the Virginia memorandum-of-understanding; if Virginia achieves maximum participation, Virginia's share was estimated at roughly $16.4 million with $6.3 million allocated directly to participating subdivisions. Dunn and the county attorney recommended the board adopt both resolutions and authorize outside counsel to execute necessary documents enabling the county's participation. The transcript records a motion to adopt the opioid settlement resolutions as presented but does not record a subsequent roll-call vote during the meeting.