Michigan City council adopts guiding principles for opioid settlement spending; $175,000 appropriation introduced

The Michigan City Common Council on March 4 voted unanimously to adopt a resolution setting guiding principles for how the city will use opioid litigation settlement funds, and the mayor introduced an ordinance on first reading to appropriate $175,000 for a grant program.

The resolution, introduced and read during the meeting, directs that settlement funds “shall be used to expand opioid programs and services, supplementing rather than replacing existing spending,” and calls for evidence-based investments, youth prevention and measures to address racial equity in access to treatment. Mayor Angie Nelson Deitch and Councilmember Dr. Cora both described the expenditure as a chance to invest in prevention, treatment and recovery supports.

The resolution requires an oversight committee that the mayor will establish; the body will include two council members. Councilmember Dr. Cora said the committee should “ensure the most effective and equitable use of opioid settlement funds.” Police Chief Marty Corley provided local context earlier in the meeting, reporting that the fire department logged 69 uses of Narcan over 2022–2024 and that the recorded number undercounts communitywide usage because other agencies and bystanders also administer the drug.

Council members approved the resolution 9-0. The mayor’s ordinance to appropriate $175,000 to create a grant program was introduced on first reading and was held over for further council consideration; the mayor said the restricted funds have been held for several years and the appropriation would allow solicitation of applications and distribution through the oversight process once it is in place.

Council members and the mayor said the proposal emphasizes transparency, use of evidence-based practices such as medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction, and involvement of people with lived experience. One councilmember asked whether the oversight committee had already been appointed; the mayor said she was still finalizing membership and would include council representation.

The resolution text says settlement funds “shall address the unmet needs of people who use drugs and shall not be diverted to fill budget gaps unrelated to the opioid epidemic.” It also directs that the mayor provide a copy of the resolution to city departments and community stakeholders involved in administration and oversight.

Votes at a glance Resolution adopting guiding principles for opioid settlement funds — adopted 9-0. Other proposed ordinances related to appropriating funds were introduced on first reading and held over.

The council did not adopt the appropriation ordinance during the March 4 meeting; formal distribution of grant dollars depends on creation of the oversight committee and a future council vote on the appropriation.