TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall consider and take action on approving the One Arizona Distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds Agreement and authorizing the Assistant City Manager to execute any subsequent agreements or documentation necessary to effectuate the City’s receipt of funds related to the One Arizona Distribution of Opioid Settlement Funds Agreement. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
State and local governments across the country have been litigating against the opioid industry in response to their alleged unethical and illegal practices. On December 1, 2020, City Council approved the One Arizona Opioid Settlement Memorandum of Understanding regarding the opportunity to settle with some of the manufacturers and distributors and secure financial resources to contend with the devastation that has been caused by opioids. The total amount of money that the City will receive is dependent upon that number of local governments that participate in the settlement.
The Agreement employs certain formulas and data collected by federal agencies such as (i) opioid use disorder rates; (ii) the number of opioid overdose deaths, and (iii) the amount and potency of opioids shipped to each community. The only requirements are that the funds be spent in accordance with the approved purposes and basic reporting be completed.
After approval of this Agreement, the City will be required to approve, sign and return the settlement agreements and any reasonably related documents which authority will be delegated to the Assistant City Manager.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of this Agreement.