Brentwood to consider joining amended Tennessee opioid-settlement agreement; funds restricted to approved outreach and education uses

City staff asked Brentwood commissioners to approve joining an amended Tennessee state subdivision opioid abatement agreement so the city can participate in a broader settlement that now includes additional manufacturers.

“We have a deadline to for the joinder, at the new settlement of October 8,” said the moderator (S1) when presenting the item. Staff reminded commissioners that the settlement’s allowable uses are specific and that money received must be spent only on approved categories such as community outreach and education or eligible local programs.

Staff and commissioners discussed options for using funds locally. An accounting/staff representative (S8) cautioned that the settlement money must be tracked separately and cannot simply be deposited into the city drug fund; S8 said, “the agreements are very specific how you can use them.” Commissioners explored whether recovery-court support or targeted outreach programs could qualify and asked staff to follow up with county partners about possible program partnerships.

Why it matters: joining the state subdivision agreement preserves the city’s right to share in any new settlement proceeds available under the amended agreement; however, the amount Brentwood might receive is uncertain. Staff said the city has received a little over $31,000 to date from prior settlements and that uses are restricted to community outreach/education and approved programmatic uses.

Next steps: staff asked for authorization to join the amended agreement by the Oct. 8 deadline and to return with options for eligible programs and accounting approaches to ensure compliance with settlement terms.