Washington Parish Council Meeting March 13, 2023 – Parish to Receive At Least $264,000 for 18 Years in Opioid Settlement

At their regular meeting on March 13, 2023, the Washington Parish Council introduced one ordinance, approved three resolutions, and heard reports from the Parish President and his staff. The Council

• introduced an ordinance to amend the 2023 WPG Annual Operating Budget – American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Fund
• approved a resolution facilitating the funding of a sidewalk in downtown Franklinton through the Louisiana DOTD 2023 Transportation Alternatives Program. This project will be for a sidewalk from Jackson Street to Riverside Medical Center. A previous project for a sidewalk from downtown to the Fairgrounds is expected to be completed before this year's Washington Parish Fair
• approved a resolution of support for replacing the Washington Parish Communications' 911 tower and equipment. A recent inspection determined the tower needed replacement and the communications equipment is obsolete. Funding is to come from federal funds with matching funds from the communications district
• approved a resolution authorizing WPG “to join with the State of Louisiana and other local governmental units as a participant in the Louisiana State-Local Government Opioid Litigation Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) and any subsequent formal agreements necessary to implement the MOU, including but not limited to, the execution of the settlement participation forms of the National Settlement Agreements, releases and other documentation approved by the counsel representing the Washington Parish Government”.

See the video beginning at 8:55 for information regarding this partial settlement of a national case. On November 8, 2021 the Council adopted a resolution to join with other governmental units in a settlement agreement of an opioid lawsuit, funds received to be for treatment and abatement of opioid addiction  Following introduction of the resolution, Attorney Wayne Kuhn commented and Attorney Ross Lagarde provided more specific information on the settlement. Washington Parish Government is to receive approximately $264,000.00 per year for 18 years. Additional settlements may be forthcoming. Washington Parish continues to see a huge opioid addiction problem and funds received is expected to provide needed help for those suffering.

Parish President Thomas and his staff provided reports, beginning at 39:40 into the video. Important and timely information was given by President Thomas, Finance Director Donna Graham, Public Works Director Ken Wheat, and Transportation Supervisor Donnell Merritt.

WP Council 03132023.wmv from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.