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Commissioners ratify judge's signature to join Purdue Pharma settlements, earmarking funds for prevention and recovery
Summary
To meet a filing deadline, Midland County ratified the county judge's signature on two Purdue Pharma settlement documents; staff said the proceeds are restricted to prevention, treatment and recovery efforts and have previously supported the county drug court.
The Midland County Commissioners Court voted Oct. 7 to ratify the county judge's signatures on two settlement documents associated with Purdue Pharma LP, an action staff said was necessary to meet a looming deadline.
County staff said Texas's allocation for the wave of settlements totals about $286 million and that Midland County's share from the presented options would be approximately $68,000 and $10,000 respectively. County counsel and staff reviewed the documents and recommended ratification to preserve access to the funds.
Staff reminded commissioners that prior opioid settlement monies have been placed in a special county fund and used for prevention, treatment and recovery programs, including support for the county drug court. "Basically, prevention, treatment, recovery, and that really fits with the drug court," the presenter said when explaining eligible uses.
A motion to ratify the judge's signature on the Purdue Pharma documents passed by voice vote. The county will accept the awards and place them in the designated fund for allowable uses once the paperwork and disbursement are completed.
Next steps: Auditor's office to record incoming settlement funds into the opioid-settlement special fund and coordinate with drug-court and other eligible programs about planned expenditures.
