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The Stephens County Commissioners handled several business items on Monday morning when they approved settlement agreements in cases related to pharmaceuticals and Oklahoma’s opioid crisis.
The Stephens County Commissioners handled several business items on Monday morning when they approved settlement agreements in cases related to pharmaceuticals and Oklahoma’s opioid crisis.
The Stephens County Commissioners handled several business items on Monday morning when they approved settlement agreements in cases related to pharmaceuticals and Oklahoma’s opioid crisis.
During the meeting, county officials approved the first resolution, under which Stephens County will participate in the Janssen Oklahoma Subdivision Opioid Settlement agreement.
According to The Banner’s archives, attention to the opioid crisis in Oklahoma came after court battles regarding a New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company leading to thousands of deaths.
In August 2019, CNHI News Service reported: “Judge Thad Balkman told a packed courtroom that the opioid crisis is 'an imminent danger and menace' to Oklahomans, and the state proved that Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary Janssen launched a misleading marketing campaign that created a public nuisance in Oklahoma.”
According to Stephens County Commissioner board minutes, the agreement will authorize theboard to execute the settlement participation form from the Janssen Oklahoma Subdivision Opioid Settlement Agreement as well as any actions taken.
For the second resolution adopted, the board approved the county to participate in the Distributors Oklahoma Settlement Agreement. This agreement authorizes the Board of County Commissioners to execute the settlement participation form provided from the Distributors Oklahoma Settlement Agreement.
According to paperwork obtained, Stephens County has filed suit to address issues and seek recovery for any harms to county citizens.
Next, county officials revisited the countywide burn ban for a continued approval for another two weeks.
According to Gary Curtis, County Emergency Management director, all of the fire departments are on board with continuing the burn ban.
Curtis recommended the bun ban remain in place with all of the current exemptions.
The board approved to extend the burn ban for another two weeks.
The burn ban includes some exemptions, such as for equipment related to road construction projects; welding, cutting torch and grinding activities; campers and outdoor cooking.
Violation of the burn ban can result in a misdemeanor and a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for a year or both a fine and imprisonment.
In other news, the board approved:
• The Oklahoma Fiscal Year 2022 Emergency Management Performance Subgrant (EMPG) program agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS) and Stephens County. OSEMHS will award a 50/50 match grant for $40,000 under the Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) EMPG program.
• The Oklahoma Fiscal Year 2021 Training and Conference Attendance Reimbursement Grant Special Project Agreement. This agreement is between ODEMHS and Stephens County, and ODEMHS will pay up to $800 to reimburse emergency managers of local jurisdictions, such as to attend trainings to increase knowledge, as well as prepare to respond to emergencies and disasters.
The regular meeting of the Stephens County Board of County Commissioners will convene at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15 at the Stephens County Courthouse.
The Stephens County Commissioners are considering implementing a use tax for online and out-of-state goods. How do you feel about this?
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