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Greenwich hears first read on joining national opioid settlement; town’s share depends on participation
Summary
Town staff presented a first reading to participate in a national opioid remnant settlement involving six defendants; the combined settlement provides a maximum of about $97 million, with Greenwich’s state‑allocated share listed at 0.0225% (roughly $20,000 in an idealized, full‑participation scenario). A final decision will be on a later agenda.
Town staff briefed the Board of Selectmen on March 26 about a proposed municipal participation in a national opioid settlement covering six remnant defendants.
Laura McKeachie, appearing on behalf of Rose Barretta, described the settlement as offering a maximum combined remediation fund of approximately $97,000,625 distributed by the state; Greenwich’s prorated share was listed at 0.0225% of the fund. McKeachie explained that the town’s actual payment would depend on how many jurisdictions opt in by the May 4 deadline and that the municipal participation would close the town’s claim against those specific remnant defendants while preserving any claims by private parties.
McKeachie said that if every eligible municipality participated and no claimants opted out, the town’s theoretical share would be in the neighborhood of $20,000, but she cautioned that the final amount ‘‘depends on how many sign up’’ before the deadline. The proposal was introduced as a first read and will return for a second read and vote at a future meeting.
Why it matters: Settlement funds are intended to remediate and abate opioid‑related harms; even modest amounts can be directed to local prevention and treatment efforts. The board did not vote at this meeting; staff said Rose Barretta or counsel will be available for the second read to answer additional questions.
Next steps: The item will appear again for a second read; staff recommended reviewing the state distribution methodology and any implementation conditions before the board votes.
