Adams County is set to benefit from a significant $99 million tentative settlement in the ongoing Nasdaq National Opioid Litigation with Sandoz Inc., as discussed during the Administrative & Finance Committee Meeting on July 4, 2025. While the exact amount the county will receive remains uncertain, officials are optimistic about the potential financial relief this settlement could provide for local opioid-related initiatives.
In addition to the opioid settlement, the committee addressed the status of three properties that were initially slated for auction as part of the 2024 in REM foreclosure process. After discovering that these properties were still occupied, officials decided to remove them from the auction listing. The county plans to amend the foreclosure judgment, allowing current occupants the opportunity to pay their back taxes. If they fail to do so, these properties will be included in the 2025 foreclosure process.
The committee also discussed the legal implications of property tax collections following a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits counties from retaining surplus funds beyond back taxes and actual expenses. This ruling mandates that properties must be sold at fair market value, and Adams County has opted to use assessed values for this purpose.
These discussions highlight the county's proactive approach to managing financial settlements and property foreclosures, ensuring that community members are treated fairly while also addressing pressing financial issues. As the county moves forward, the outcomes of these decisions will be closely monitored for their impact on local residents and the broader community.