County approves participation in national opioid settlements and authorizes vote on Purdue bankruptcy plan

The Williams County Board of County Commissioners voted Aug. 5 to participate in multiple national opioid settlement agreements and authorized county counsel to accept Purdue Pharmacy’s bankruptcy plan that implements part of the settlements. County counsel briefed the commission on two settlement groups: one involving the Sackler family and Purdue with a proposed $6.5 billion payment schedule plus bankruptcy estate contributions, and a second group of eight manufacturers contributing about $720 million under staggered payment schedules. The attorney said the money will be distributed across many states and political subdivisions. Commissioners approved a motion to participate in all nine settlements and authorized the chair to sign participation forms. The board then approved a separate motion authorizing outside counsel to submit Williams County’s vote in favor of the proposed Purdue bankruptcy plan, which incorporates the settlements. Why this matters: The settlements are part of a nationwide effort to resolve claims against opioid manufacturers and distributors; participation allows the county to receive a share of any distribution when allocations are made to counties and cities. County counsel characterized the settlements as complex and spread over years. During discussion a commissioner said the settlements compensated companies that had “enriched themselves on the backs of the population who sorely suffered,” reflecting the emotional tenor of the issue but the board moved forward with formal participation. What’s next: By approving participation and authorizing the legal vote on Purdue’s bankruptcy plan, Williams County has positioned itself to receive allocations under national settlement distribution formulas when funds become available. The county’s outside counsel will submit the formal acceptance on the county’s behalf as required by the bankruptcy process.