Narrative of Resolution:
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Allow County Manager to “Opt In” To a settlement agreement on behalf of Sullivan County to resolved Opioid Litigation against six Regional Distributors/Dispenser Defendants
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RESOLUTION INTRODUCED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ALLOW THE COUNTY MANAGER TO “OPT IN” TO A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF SULLIVAN COUNTY TO RESOLVE OPIOID LITIGATION AGAINST SIX REGIONAL DISTRIBUTORS/DISPENSER DEFENDANTS REFERRED TO AS THE SIX REMNANT DEFENDANTS
WHEREAS, the opioid crisis has devastated countless families and communities in Sullivan County; and
WHEREAS, having risen to the status of an epidemic, the County of Sullivan wishes to take steps to address this crisis in a meaningful way; and
WHEREAS, many of the opioids placed into the chain of commerce in Sullivan County have been distributed and/or dispensed by Associated Pharmacies Inc. (and American Associated Pharmacies), J M Smith Corporation, Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., Morris and Dickenson Co., North Carolina Mutual Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., and United Natural Foods (including its subsidiaries SuperValu and Advantage Logistics) (collectively, “Six Remnant Defendants”); and
WHEREAS, the County of Sullivan has joined with many other municipalities in prosecuting litigation against several of the manufacturers and distributors of opioids, including, without limitation, the Six Remnant Defendants; and
WHEREAS, a proposed nationwide settlement agreement (“Settlement”) has been reached that would resolve opioid litigation brought by states, local political subdivisions, and special districts against the Six Remnant Defendants; and
WHEREAS, eligible subdivisions, including Sullivan County, must decide whether to participate in the Settlement; and
WHEREAS, any eligible subdivision that does not participate cannot directly share in any of the settlement funds, which are to be paid only and directly to each of the eligible subdivisions, including Sullivan County, through a one-time settlement payment; and
WHEREAS, in order for the County to be eligible to receive funds under the Settlement, the County must complete, execute and submit the Combined Subdivision Participation and Release Form provided by the National Opioids Notice and Claims Administrator for the Remnant Defendants Settlement, on or before May 4, 2026.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that effective upon the passing of this resolution the County Manager is hereby authorized to complete, execute and submit the Combined Subdivision Participation and Release Form, and any other necessary documents, in such form as shall be approved by the County Attorney, on behalf of the County of Sullivan; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the County Manager, and or County Attorney, is hereby authorized to participate in the Settlement discussions and negotiations on behalf of the County of Sullivan.