In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the allocation of significant funds resulting from the Altria e-cigarette litigation, amounting to over $1.3 million. The resolution authorizing this supplemental appropriation was unanimously adopted, with $1.2 million earmarked for the school department and the remainder allocated for city use.

City officials clarified that these funds are not simply added to the general fund but are segregated into multi-year funds designated for specific projects. The school department has already received $2.3 million from previous settlements related to vaping products and is expected to utilize the new funds for various initiatives aimed at addressing youth vaping and tobacco use.

Councilor Wager inquired about the specific projects the school department plans to undertake with the new funds, to which it was noted that Superintendent Assarulosa would provide detailed information in an upcoming workshop. Meanwhile, city staff are also developing recommendations for the city's portion of the settlement.

The funds come with certain stipulations, primarily focused on prevention efforts against youth vaping, although they are less restrictive than previous opioid settlement funds. City officials emphasized the importance of using these resources effectively to combat tobacco use among young people. Further discussions and updates on the allocation of these funds are anticipated in future meetings.