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Re-adopt the Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds
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INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michelle Lancaster, County Manager’s Office, Consultant, 704-283-3636
ACTION REQUESTED:
1) Re-adopt the Resolution to Direct the Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds and 2) Adopt Special Revenue Ordinance #78B for Union County Opioid Settlement
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
At the June 19, 2023, Regular Meeting, staff brought back a detailed funding plan to the Board of Commissioners that invests in programs and services that align with the workgroup’s recommendations, and the Board approved the plan and adopted the resolution. This item presents an updated resolution with revisions to the strategy alignment as directed by the North Carolina Attorney General's Office.
BACKGROUND:
North Carolina participated in the national opioid settlement. The NCACC and NCDOJ formed a partnership to ensure that proceeds are provided to local jurisdictions to provide programs and services that directly impact those who have been most impacted by opioids. Union County entered into two Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) with the state that outline the amount to be received and how the proceeds can be used. The agreements govern how NC would use the proceeds of any future national settlement or bankruptcy resolution with drug distributors and opioid manufacturers. The Opioid litigation settlement funds will be received over an 18-year period. The agreement includes approximately $17 million over 18 years for Union County. Part of the Agreements require community engagement to determine the approach the County will take when spending the funds. County staff engaged a group of community members in August 2022 and met over two months to develop recommendations, which were endorsed by the Board of Commissioners at their February 6, 2023, Regular Meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$2,724,783