Tallmadge City Council on May 22 gave another reading to an ordinance (Ordinance 2025-57) that would appropriate Ohio opioid settlement funds to purchase naloxone (Narcan) for availability in city parks.

Councilman Nick Rubino, chair of the safety committee, said the ordinance concerns using state opioid settlement dollars for naloxone deployment in public spaces. The measure was in second reading; no adoption vote occurred at the May 22 meeting.

Ms. Raber, the director of law, told council she had attempted to reach Summit County Public Health for answers to questions raised at a prior meeting but had not yet connected. “I did attempt to, have a conversation with the folks at, Summit County Public Health. We went back and forth and unfortunately we have not been able to connect yet so, I will be able to hopefully get those answers for you before the next meeting,” Raber said.

Why it matters: Making naloxone available in parks could enable rapid overdose reversal in public spaces. The ordinance uses state opioid settlement funds rather than the city's general fund.

Discussion vs. decision: Council did not adopt the appropriation; the item was given another reading while staff pursues answers from Summit County Public Health and will bring additional information at the next meeting.

Next steps: Law and safety committee staff will continue outreach to Summit County Public Health and return with clarifications before further council action.