Burnsville council directs small opioid-settlement balance to Crossroads Community

The Burnsville City Council voted to direct the town's small opioid-settlement balance — $263.45 — to Crossroads Community for addiction recovery support.

The council reviewed the origin of the funds, saying they stem from multiyear settlements pursued by state attorneys general against pharmaceutical companies. Council members noted the state distributes settlement payments to counties and then to cities and towns under an allocation formula; the town has received periodic small payments. In May 2025 the council directed $258.17 to Crossroads Community, leaving a current balance of $263.45 in the town's opioid account.

A council member who moved the item said the amount is small but urged it be used for its intended purpose: "I hate to see money like that just sitting not being used for what it was intended for." Councilors discussed possible alternatives including Browning's Home but returned to the prior recipient. The motion to disperse the current town balance to Crossroads Community was seconded and carried.

The council did not record detailed vote tallies in the discussion transcript. Members also asked how long the settlement distributions will continue; councilors noted the settlements run for multiple years under the state agreement.

The council's action directs this year's local share to Crossroads Community. The meeting record notes earlier guidance to use restricted opioid funds for programs tied to addiction recovery and support.