The Dawsonville City Council approved July 21 the city’s participation in the national opioid settlement with Purdue Pharma. City Attorney Kevin Tallent explained the settlement is one of the remaining large national settlements related to the opioid crisis; he reminded the council that earlier settlements have provided funds used locally for items such as naloxone (Narcan).

Tallent said the city will not know its specific distribution amount until settlement funds are allocated and checks begin to arrive, and that the attorneys who represented the city will be paid from the settlement proceeds. He said the city will remain subject to the same spending requirements and reporting obligations tied to opioid settlement funds.

Council member Eells moved to approve the settlement participation; Council member Mark French seconded and the motion passed. Tallent referenced the Sackler family connection to Purdue Pharma in explaining the background of the litigation.