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Lowndes County authorizes participation in Purdue Pharma settlement process
Summary
The board authorized the chairman to sign an MOU and participation-and-release form so the county can receive opioid-settlement funds from the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy process; staff said payments continue to be received and restrictions exist on allowable uses.
County staff told commissioners the county previously authorized special counsel to join a proposed statement of interest regarding a Purdue Pharma settlement and now needs formal approval to participate in the bankruptcy settlement process.
"To participate, the county must agree to the terms set forth by the state of Georgia and local governments by authorizing the chairman to sign the memorandum of understanding and the participation and release form," staff said. A commissioner asked whether staff had an estimate of the county's expected share; staff said they could provide how much has been received so far but that payments continue and use of the funds carries restrictions.
A motion to authorize the chairman to sign the MOU and participation-and-release form was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Why it matters: Participating in the settlement would allow the county to receive funds designated to address opioid-related harms, subject to state and local rules on permitted uses. Staff noted the county has already received some opioid-related funds and that additional payments will continue.
Next steps: Staff said they will provide commissioners with the county's prior receipts and follow state guidance on allowable expenditures under the settlement terms.
