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Stillwater Council approves participation in Purdue Sackler and secondary opioid manufacturer settlements
Summary
The Stillwater City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing participation in the Purdue Sackler settlement and settlements with eight secondary generic opioid manufacturers, enabling the city to receive an estimated allocation contingent on state-level distributions and participation incentives.
The Stillwater City Council on Sept. 22 approved a resolution authorizing the city to participate in two multistate opioid settlements: the Purdue Sackler settlement and a package of settlements with eight secondary generic opioid manufacturers.
The resolution, adopted by a 5-0 vote, authorizes the mayor to sign settlement participation forms and approves the related state subdivision agreements that direct how Oklahoma's share will be distributed to litigating political subdivisions, including Stillwater.
Why it matters: the settlements create a pathway for Stillwater to receive funds designated for opioid abatement programs. City staff and outside counsel told the council the distributions are governed by state-level subdivision agreements that allocate Oklahoma's settlement proceeds among counties and municipalities using a formula previously adopted in earlier opioid settlements.
Details provided at the meeting: Counsel described the Purdue/Sackler component as a direct settlement with certain Sackler family members producing $6.5 billion in payments in 16 installments over 15 years, including a $1.5 billion payment on the settlement's effective date (expected in 2026). The memorandum estimated Oklahoma's total distribution from the Purdue Sackler settlement to litigating subdivisions at roughly $24 million, and the city's gross allocation at $268,704, assuming all participation incentives are met and before attorney fees and a possible 10% appeals holdback.
For the eight secondary generic manufacturers, the total cash component described was $844 million nationally; Oklahoma's estimated share was described as about $12.9 million. Stillwater's estimated gross range was presented as $54,216 to $108,432 depending on participation incentives, again before attorney fees and a 10% holdback for appeals.
Counsel emphasized that the settlements include limits on use: distributions are subject to "approved opioid abatement uses," and that some settlement components include product as well as cash. The council's attorney and the city's opioid council recommended approval. The motion to adopt the resolution carried 5-0.
What remains: distributions are contingent on the states' allocation and the settlements' participation incentives. Counsel noted the estimates exclude attorney-fee deductions and a possible appeal-related holdback. The resolution also authorizes the city's counsel to support Purdue's bankruptcy plan as part of the participation steps.
Ending: Councilors noted prior participation in earlier opioid settlements and affirmed that any funds received would be used for opioid abatement programs within the city.
