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Roswell council authorizes participation agreement in PFAS litigation to preserve claims
Summary
Council approved a resolution authorizing the city to enter into a legal services arrangement to preserve Roswell's right to participate in AFFF/PFAS class‑action litigation; staff said the arrangement ensures the city will be covered if PFAS contamination is later detected in its water utility. The vote was unanimous.
The Roswell City Council on May 11 approved a resolution authorizing execution of a legal services agreement related to AFFF/PFAS litigation, a step staff described as protective: it preserves the city's ability to participate in nationwide settlements or other recoveries if testing later detects per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the local water supply.
Assistant City Attorney Joe Cusack explained class action practice requires lead attorneys to retain local counsel in each jurisdiction; that is standard practice in nationwide litigation, he said. A public commenter at the meeting urged greater transparency about hiring outside counsel and suggested some municipalities may be able to submit claims through an existing portal without outside firms.
Cusack told the council that joining the class now is a pragmatic way to preserve potential future recovery rights; he also said Fulton County and the city would pursue claims relevant to the utility they operate. Council voted unanimously to authorize the resolution.
Council also scheduled a closed session for May 26 to discuss personnel, litigation and real estate matters as recommended by the city attorney.
