MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Legislature authorized and approved a settlement agreement in an action involving Johnson & Johnson and its role in the opioid crisis in the county during its monthly meeting this week.
According to the passed resolution, 21 percent of the County’s final settlement proceeds (amount still to be determined following pending litigation) will be unrestricted regarding usage.
District 5 Legislator Terry Niebel commented during the meeting on where he’d like to see the 21 percent used. He says he wants those funds to be allocated towards lowering the county tax levy.
The other 79 percent can only be used on the following approved areas: treating opioid use disorder, supporting people in treatment and recover, connection people who need help to help, addressing the needs of criminal justice recover, addressing the needs of criminal justice involved persons, addressing the needs of pregnant or parenting woman and their families (including babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome), preventing over-prescribing and ensuring appropriate prescribing and dispensing of opioids and preventing misuse of opioids, etc.
With the passed resolution, Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel is authorized to execute an agreement with Johnson and Johnson.
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