Schuyler County lawmakers will decide next week whether to join a new nationwide opioid settlement that could bring additional funding to local prevention and recovery efforts.
The Schuyler County Legislature is set to consider a resolution on April 13 authorizing participation in a proposed $97.6 million settlement involving six regional pharmaceutical distributors, known as the “Remnant Defendants.”
If approved, the agreement would allow the county to resolve its claims against those companies while continuing litigation against other defendants tied to the opioid crisis. The total national settlement would be distributed among participating municipalities, with Schuyler County’s specific share still being calculated based on a national formula.
County Attorney Steven Getman said the funding would support opioid abatement strategies, including prevention programs, treatment services, naloxone distribution and support for vulnerable populations affected by addiction.
The proposal has already cleared key steps in the county’s legislative process, receiving approval from the Management and Finance Committee in March and the Legislative Resolution Review Committee earlier this month.
County officials framed the settlement as part of a broader effort to hold companies accountable while expanding local resources to address the ongoing crisis. County Administrator Shawn Rosno said participation would strengthen the county’s ability to fund critical services without placing additional burden on taxpayers.
Schuyler County began pursuing legal action related to the opioid epidemic in 2017 and formally declared it a public nuisance in 2018. Since 2021, the county has secured more than $862,000 in opioid-related settlements from multiple pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.
Officials said the county will continue to pursue additional claims as litigation moves forward.
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