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Sahuarita to accept small opioid settlement payment for remediation efforts
Summary
Council authorized the town’s participation in a remnant-defendants opioid settlement; the payment is modest (staff cited about $3,000) and must be used for opioid-remediation programs. Staff said the funds can be pooled with other opioid-settlement monies for allowable uses such as education, training and offsetting sworn positions.
Town attorney John Palladini described a direct settlement with several "remnant" defendants in opioid litigation under which the town would receive a modest payment earmarked for opioid remediation. Palladini said the agreement is a formality that requires council authorization for the town to participate and accept the funds into escrow.
Chief Nolan said he had confirmed with the Attorney General's office that using settlement funds to offset costs for sworn officer positions or to pay for eligible training is allowable and has precedent in other agencies. Staff recommended entering the agreement and placing the proceeds in an escrow account until the town determines how to spend them consistent with settlement exhibit guidance.
Council voted to authorize participation; staff noted the amount is small but can supplement existing opioid-remediation programming.
