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Van Buren County authorizes auditor to sign opioid settlement documents and amends SAFE Coalition MOU
Summary
Supervisors authorized the county auditor to execute settlement participation and release forms related to opioid manufacturer settlements and approved an amendment to the SAFE Coalition memorandum of understanding to allow administration of additional settlement funds.
The Van Buren County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize the county auditor to sign documents related to settlement agreements with secondary opioid manufacturers and to deposit any LG abatement shares into the county's LG abatement fund. The resolution described execution of participation and release forms and ratified prior actions taken by the board and county officers in connection with the settlements.
Separately, the board considered and approved an amendment to the memorandum of understanding with the SAFE Coalition to expand the coalition’s authority to administer newly added settlement funds. Board members and SAFE Coalition representatives described projects the funds support, including a sheriff's app, billboards promoting drug take-back boxes, and distribution of lock boxes and lockable pill bottles for residents. The amended MOU clarifies that 75% of funds must go to specified categories and 25% may be used for broader prevention and remediation programs.
Supervisors said the county's receipts from the program are modest compared with litigating counties; one staff member cited approximately $60,000 received in July as an example and noted that non-litigating counties receive smaller annual shares. The board approved the amendment by voice vote and directed staff to obtain signatures where required.
