Council authorizes finance director to sign opioid-settlement participation documents

The Wenatchee City Council on July 24 authorized the finance director to sign legal documents necessary for the city’s participation in current and future Washington statewide opioid-settlement agreements, including the Purdue settlement referenced by staff.

Finance Director Brad Pozenjak explained the city has participated in statewide litigation settlements against opioid manufacturers and distributors and that additional settlement phases are continuing. He told council that over the next 15 years the city expects to receive approximately $1.5 million from opioid settlements; funds are restricted for opioid prevention, treatment and remediation purposes and will be distributed through a regional third-party administrator.

The council’s motion authorized the Finance Director to sign documents approved by the City Attorney to effectuate participation in the Purdue and Sackler and any future Washington statewide opioid settlement agreements. Council Member Atkinson made the motion; it was seconded and approved unanimously.

Staff indicated the city has partnered with other local governments and a third-party administrator to ensure funds are used for eligible opioid-related programs. No specific program allocations were approved at the July 24 meeting; the motion authorized execution of settlement participation documents only.