Bertie County commissioners vote to withdraw as plaintiff in opioid litigation

The Bertie County Board of Commissioners voted in a special meeting to withdraw the county as a plaintiff in the omnibus opioid litigation that names pharmacy benefit managers.

County Attorney Lloyd told the board after closed session that, based on the earlier discussion, the county should "consider a motion to withdraw as a plaintiff in the omnibus motions, for leave to amend at pharmacy benefit managers as defendants to the opioid litigation." A motion to withdraw was made, identified in the meeting as moved by Robinson and seconded by Commissioner Sanders, and carried in a voice vote; the board recorded at least one nay during the vote.

The motion followed a closed-session discussion the board said was held under North Carolina law. Chairman Balance read the motion into the record and called for a vote; the clerk reported the voice responses. The board recorded the outcome in open session with the chair stating, "So we will be withdrawn."

The meeting transcript does not record detailed roll-call vote tallies or which commissioner cast the opposing vote. County Attorney Lloyd presented the legal recommendation on the floor; the transcript does not include a detailed rationale for the withdrawal beyond Lloyd's recommendation.

The board made no immediate public statement about next steps for any related county programs or potential settlement negotiations. The county manager said there was nothing further to report at the meeting.