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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-038 Ordinance to create a fund to account for Opioid Settlement RevenueORDINANCE NO. 2024-038 AN ORDINANCE authorizing the establishment of a Special Revenue Fund 155 Opioid Settlement Fund. WHEREAS, the opioid crisis has significantly impacted the health, safety, and welfare of our community, leading to increased healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and a rise in substance use disorders, crime and etc.; and WHEREAS, the City of Yakima has entered into settlement agreements with manufacturers, distributors, and other parties whereas the settlement funds are to be used specifically to address and mitigate the effects of the opioid crisis; and WHEREAS the proper management of these funds is essential to ensure accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in addressing the opioid epidemic; and WHEREAS City Staff has determined that maintaining opioid settlement funds in a separate account will provide clear tracking of expenditures, enhance fiscal responsibility, and promote public trust in the management of these funds is in the best interest of the City of Yakima and its residents; now, therefore, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF YAKIMA: Section 1. The City Council does hereby incorporate the above "whereas" recitals as findings in support of this ordinance to establish a separate Special Revenue Fund 155 to account for the Opioid Abatement. Section 2. A new chapter, 3.129, is hereby added to the City of Yakima Municipal Code to read as follows: 3.129 Opioid Abatement Fund. A. There is created the Opioid Abatement Fund. B. The Opioid Abatement Fund shall consist of monies obtained from settlements with entities within the pharmaceutical supply chain and distributed to the city. The use of settlement proceeds shall only be to meet opioid settlement strategies listed in the One Washington Memorandum of Understanding Between Washington Municipalities. Section 3. If any provision of this ordinance is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. Section 4. This ordinance is one making appropriation and shall take effect immediately upon its passage, approval and publication as provided by law and by the City Charter. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, signed and approved this 3rd day of December, 2024. ATTEST: Rosalinda Ibarra, City Clerk First Reading: November 19, 2024 Publication Date: December 7, 2024 Effective Date: December 7, 2024 OM. ricia ers, ayor BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. 7.C. For Meeting of: December 3, 2024 ITEM TITLE: Ordinance to create a fund to account for Opioid Settlement Revenue (Second Reading) SUBMITTED BY: SUMMARY EXPLANATION: *Viren Mayani, Director of Finance and Budget Kimberly Domine, Financial Services Manager Jen Paxton, Financial Services Officer The City of Yakima has received settlement funds from a number of state lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors and prescribers. Those funds are required to be used as outlined in the settlement agreement and the One Washington Memorandum. Additionally, the City Council has adopted a policy for the distribution of the opioid settlement funds, as required by the settlement agreement. Effective management of these funds is crucial for accountability and transparency. City staff recommends maintaining the opioid settlement funds in a separate account to ensure clear tracking of expenditures and promote public trust, which is beneficial for Yakima and its residents. ITEM BUDGETED: N/A STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: RECOMMENDATION: Pass Ordinance. ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance_opioid settlement fund 18