HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 24287: 3RD DISTRIBUTION FROM THE OPIOID ABATEMENT TRUST FUND PR: 24287
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RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE RECEIPT OF
THE THIRD DISTRIBUTION FROM THE OPIOID
ABATEMENT TRUST FUND AND AUTHORIZING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OPIOID REVIEW BOARD
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur obtained information indicating that certain drug
companies and their corporate affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, and such other defendants, as
may be added to the litigation (collectively, "Defendants"), have engaged in fraudulent and
reckless marketing and distribution of opioids that have resulted in addictions and overdoses;
and
WHEREAS, on May 13, 2020, the State of Texas, through the Office of the Attorney
General,and negotiation group for Texas political subdivisions entered into an Agreement entitled
Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council approving the allocation of any opioid settlement funds
within the State of Texas; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, the Texas Treasury Safekeeping
Trust Company ("Trust Company"), and the Opioid Abatement Fund Council ("OAFC") have
announced the third distribution from the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund ("Trust Fund"), a fund
established to provide financial support to eligible entities for the abatement of opioid-related
harms; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur has received this third distribution, representing
partial compensation for financial losses and damage sustained by the community as a result of
the opioid epidemic; and
WHEREAS,the City Council recognizes the ongoing public health and safety challenges
posed by opioid abuse and seeks to ensure that funds received are utilized in a transparent,
strategic, and impactful manner; and
WHEREAS, in the interest of public accountability and effective administration, the City
of Port Arthur intends to establish an Opioid Review Board tasked with evaluating,planning, and
recommending initiatives funded by the Trust Fund distributions in accordance with state
guidelines and community priorities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS:
Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
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Section 2.The City Council hereby acknowledges receipt of the third distribution from the
Opioid Abatement Trust Fund as announced by the Texas Comptroller, the Trust Company, and
the OAFC.
Section 3. The City Council hereby authorizes the creation of the Opioid Review Board,
which shall be composed of five members recommended by the City Manager, including
representatives from public health, law enforcement, community services, and other relevant
stakeholders.
Section 4. The Opioid Review Board shall be responsible for assessing the opioid-related
needs of the City, recommending eligible uses of the abatement funds in alignment with the Trust
Fund's permitted uses, and advising the City Council on the allocation and monitoring of those
funds.
Section 5. The City Manager or designee is authorized to take all necessary actions to
implement this Resolution, including developing bylaws, member selection criteria, and
administrative procedures for the Opioid Review Board.
Section 6. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution shall be spread upon the Minutes
of the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED this the day of , A.D.
2025 at a meeting of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote: AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers:
NOES: .
Thurman Bill Bartie, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, City Secretary
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
7
Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney
APPROV F R ADMINISTRATION:
Ron Burton, C , City Manager
APPROVED AS TO AVAILABILITY OF
FUNDS:
,IV14 42)
Lynda(Lyn) Boswell, MA, ICMA-CM
Finance Director