Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Opioids topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Atoka council votes to join national opioid settlement after debate over limited funds and allowable uses
Summary
After discussing likely modest payouts and strict spending rules, the Atoka City Council voted to participate in the national opioid settlement and to accept any funds received, with members noting possible uses such as training, Narcan supplies or a school resource officer.
The Atoka City Council voted to participate in the national opioid settlement on a motion approved by roll call after members debated whether the likely award and spending restrictions would make participation worthwhile. A council member who requested the topic said the settlement deadline had been extended to mid-July and asked the council to decide whether to opt in.
The council discussed that the county had already received settlement funds but that municipal awards may be small once divided among many cities. One council member said he expected a city share to be “$5,000 would be fortunate,” and cautioned that administrative costs for applying and managing funds could offset the benefit. Others said the application itself was a short sign-up process.
Members reviewed permissible uses, noting the funds are restricted to opioid-remediation efforts. Possibilities mentioned included police training, Narcan supply and training, an officer or resource position in schools, and public-education campaigns. Police Chief Jean Dodson noted existing Narcan supplies and training resources available through the Choctaw Nation and state partners but did not oppose pursuing available funds.
Council members also raised the option of leveraging any city award with county funds to support a larger program, such as a temporary DARE-like officer or regional outreach. One member argued it would be unwise to pass up “free money,” while others urged caution given uncertainties about award size and administrative demands.
After discussion, a motion to participate in the settlement was made, seconded and carried on a recorded roll call with the council voting in favor.
The council did not adopt a specific spending plan at the meeting; members indicated they would return later with proposals for how any funds would be used in compliance with settlement restrictions.
