Norton City Council approves participation in opioid settlement and confirms two payments

Norton City Council voted unanimously April 21 to adopt a resolution authorizing the city to participate in a proposed settlement of opioid-related claims and authorized city administration to sign the paperwork to join the settlement.

City Manager Jeffery A. Shupe told council the overall settlement pool is $97,625,000 and estimated Norton’s share would be roughly $2,900. City Attorney Matthew R. Dotson provided the precise figure used in the resolution: $2,918.56, and said the deadline to opt into the settlement is May 4. "These are funds the city is entitled to based on the settlement agreement," Shupe said, answering procedural questions from council.

Council also moved to confirm a March 2, 2026 transfer of $104,870 to Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield for an employee health insurance premium installment and a March 20, 2026 check for $108,875 to First Bank and Trust for payment on the tennis court project debt. The motion to adopt the opioid resolution was made by Councilman Mark Caruso and seconded by Councilman Chris Jones; both the resolution and the financial confirmations passed by unanimous roll call.

The resolution was presented as part of a series of opioid-related settlements that have been processed through court systems and arbitration. City administration is authorized to execute the documents necessary to enroll Norton in this settlement; council did not debate alternatives or request amendments during the meeting.

The city will proceed with the administrative steps to participate before the May 4 deadline; no further council action was specified at the meeting.