Owasso approves joining remnant‑defendant opioid settlement, authorizes mayor to sign

The Owasso City Council on Monday voted to join a multi‑defendant opioid settlement and authorized the mayor or city manager to sign a participation and release form required to claim the city’s share.

Outside counsel Tony Puckett of McAfee Taft told the council the “remnant” settlement pools payments from six remaining defendants in the multidistrict opioid litigation and totals roughly $97 million. After an attorney‑fee and administrative reserve estimated at about $14 million, roughly $83 million remains for distribution to participating subdivisions; Owasso’s allocation was described as approximately $10,500. Puckett said distributions are limited to opioid abatement activities by the recipient jurisdiction.

The council debated whether to pursue individual litigation later or accept the collective settlement. Puckett said the alternative would be pursuing claims independently in Oklahoma courts, which could be more difficult and uncertain for local governments after recent state court rulings that narrowed some nuisance‑based claims. When asked whether staff and counsel were comfortable with the settlement structure, Puckett said they were and noted the settlement provides additional funds to confront the opioid crisis locally.

Councilor [by position] moved to approve participation; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous voice vote. City staff will present and file the required participation form before the deadline noted by counsel.

The settlement money, if received, must be used for opioid abatement consistent with earlier agreements the city has accepted; council members asked staff to track recommended program uses and future budgeting for those funds. The participation form and settlement documents will be retained in city records once signed.