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Commissioners get updates on PFAS remediation, CDBG‑R approval and opioid settlement receipts
Summary
County staff reported that Pasco will receive PFAS (PAS) settlement funds in a second group and that HUD accepted the county's CDBG‑R action plan; county attorney also notified the board of two additional opioid litigation settlements and received authorization to accept digital settlement forms.
Pasco County staff provided multiple updates on settlement proceeds and grant program status affecting utilities, community development and future program funding.
Adolf Gonzalez, Utilities Engineering and Contract Management Director, told the board Pasco will be included in the second distribution of PFAS (referred to in the transcript as "PAS") settlement funds and that Tampa Bay Water — which already received a first tranche — is planning to use regional settlement money for system treatment and remediation. "We will be receiving PAS settlement funds as well," Gonzalez said, and staff said Tampa Bay Water will take a lead on regional treatment while Pasco will address impacted isolated wells.
County staff and commissioners discussed how regional funds will be used and whether Pasco will receive direct checks or have projects funded through Tampa Bay Water. Commissioners asked staff to report back with how other counties allocate their shares between local remediation and regional projects.
Separately, county staff announced HUD accepted Pasco County's CDBG‑R action plan and financial certification; the county is moving into an operational phase and expects to have consultant agreements in the coming weeks with the goal of putting money to work by the end of the year, subject to administrative steps.
The county attorney also told the board the state had notified counties of two additional opioid litigation settlements (including the Purdue/Sackler settlement and a group of smaller defendants) and asked the board to authorize the county attorney to accept the electronic settlement documents through the state's designated administrator (now Rubris). The board authorized the county attorney to accept the settlements on the county's behalf.
Why it matters: PFAS remediation, CDBG‑R implementation and opioid settlement proceeds all present opportunities for Pasco to secure funding for environmental remediation, housing and community programs. Commissioners asked staff to provide clearer local allocation plans and comparative data from neighboring counties so the board can prioritize projects.
Next steps: staff to report back with allocation details and comparable county splits for PFAS funding; county attorney authorized to accept opioid settlement documentation electronically.
