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Finance Committee approves emergency opioid‑settlement action to meet Sept. 5 deadline; Pittman abstains
Summary
Committee approved an emergency measure and passed a bill enabling the city to act on an opioid‑settlement plan by the Sept. 5 deadline; vote was 6–0 with one abstention by Councilmember Pittman, who cited a conflict because an organization she has ties to provides opioid services.
The Finance Committee voted to designate and approve an emergency action related to opioid‑litigation settlement participation and funding at its Aug. 19 meeting. Philip Peterson explained the emergency: the city must submit a vote on whether to accept a plan by Sept. 5, and this committee cycle is the last opportunity prior to that date.
Council discussion noted the settlement is producing additional grant dollars that will flow to local treatment, prevention and interdiction programs; committee members acknowledged program administrators and OGC staff were available to answer questions. Councilmember Pittman said she would abstain from the vote because the Clare White Mission, an organization that provides services to people with opioid‑related needs, receives funds and that creates a conflict for her.
The committee approved emergency status and, on the ballot vote that followed, passed the bill as an emergency by a tally recorded as 6 yays, 0 nays and 1 abstention (Pittman).
What happens next: City staff will proceed with the city’s participation steps before the Sept. 5 deadline and coordinate distribution of settlement funds through the program office.
