Brown County Commissioners authorize opt‑in to national opioid settlement

Brown County Commissioners on Tuesday authorized the county judge to enter into two additional national opioid settlement agreements involving secondary manufacturers and larger distributors.

A county staff member told the court the county previously signed Texas settlement documents in 2021 and has received roughly $129,000 from earlier agreements. The staff member said there are two new settlement opportunities — with secondary manufacturers named in the national agreement and with Purdue and members of the Sackler family — and asked the court to authorize the county judge to sign the paperwork so Brown County can receive its share.

The staff member outlined how the county has used prior settlement funds for transportation services for people recovering from opioid dependence and noted roughly $60,000 may be available for the current fiscal year. He said the settlement includes a 14‑page list of approved remediation uses and suggested AEDs for the courthouse and naloxone (Narcan) as examples of allowable, life‑saving purchases.

Commissioners discussed the likely cost of AEDs — the staff member said approximately $3,000 each for units with initial accessories and noted replacement pads and batteries add ongoing costs — and asked staff to bring back budgeting details. Commissioners then voted to authorize the county judge to sign the settlement opt‑in paperwork. When asked if anyone opposed, the court recorded no opposition.

The staff member also said the county attorney has reviewed the settlement documents and that acceptance of the settlements would be the first step before budgeting funds for approved uses.

Next steps outlined during the meeting included formal acceptance of settlement funds and then later action to allocate specific purchases or programs from that funding.