SUBJECT
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Request Board to authorize the County Attorney to execute required documents to sign-on or “opt-in” to the Albertsons Settlement for opioid litigation and execute all documents on behalf of Polk County required by the settlement.
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DESCRIPTION
The entire State of Florida has suffered harm as a result from the opioid epidemic. The State of Florida filed an action pending in Pasco County, Florida, and Polk County and a number of Florida Cities and Counties filed actions which are consolidated into In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804 (N.D. Ohio) (the “Opioid Litigation”). Polk County has previously adopted Resolution 2021-063 to authorize Polk County to join the Florida Memorandum of Understanding (the “Florida Plan”) which sets forth a framework of a unified plan for the proposed allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds.
The Albertsons Settlement has been reached that will resolve opioid litigation brought by the State of Florida and local political subdivisions. The Albertsons Settlement is a $773 million national settlement to be paid over 9 years to eligible entities for purposes of abating the opioid epidemic. The subdivisions must decide to participate in this settlement. Any subdivision that does not participate cannot directly share in any of the settlement funds.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the County Attorney to execute required documents to sign-on or “opt-in” to the Albertsons Settlement for opioid litigation and execute all documents on behalf of Polk County required by the settlements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The settlement funds will be deposited into the Polk County Florida Opioid Trust Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Randy Mink, County Attorney