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Board delegates authority to county officer to execute opioid settlement agreements
Summary
Vernon County adopted Resolution 2025‑46 delegating authority to the Administrative Coordinator to enter into opioid settlement agreements recommended by the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee and approved by counsel; the resolution references Wis. Stat. §165.12 and creates separate accounts for settlement proceeds and attorney fees.
The Vernon County Board approved Resolution 2025‑46 to delegate authority to the county Administrative Coordinator to execute settlement agreements with opioid litigation defendants, provided the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee (PEC) and the county’s counsel recommend the settlement.
Administrative Coordinator Cassie Hanan presented the resolution, which incorporates guidance from the Wisconsin Counties Association and cites Wis. Stat. §165.12. The resolution outlines notice to Corporation Counsel before execution, directs that settlement proceeds (not otherwise used for attorney fees) be deposited in an Opioid Abatement Account administered under statutory rules, and authorizes formation of a separate Attorney Fees Account to hold up to 20% of the county’s proceeds for payment to the law firms, subject to the applicable settlement terms.
The measure was presented as a time‑saving administrative delegation in light of numerous anticipated settlements; the board adopted the resolution by voice vote. The resolution text notes that the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance must approve settlements under Wis. Stat. §165.12 and that proceeds are allocated 70% to local governments and 30% to the state.
