Council OKs entering One Ohio for lawsuits

Elyria City Council plans to take part in “One Ohio,” a plan to divide potential opioid litigation funds across the state.

During a March 2 meeting, Council members approved an agreement to join the state in its litigation.

One Ohio, which was proposed by Gov. Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost, would take 11% for attorney fees, give 30% to local governments, 55% to a foundation that would address addiction and 15% to the state.

The plan to divide and distribute the funds would take place only if Ohio is successful in its lawsuit against drug companies.

Council President Vic Stewart said the attorney representing Elyria indicated taking part in One Ohio is the best course of action for the city.

“This is just the first step with the pending litigation for opioids,” Stewart said. “This is getting on board with the state and leading the charge with this and us following the lawsuit.”

Ohio cities have until March 6 to sign into the agreement.

Stewart said the city has the option to back out before the deadline.

“This is the best direction for us to go at this particular time, and if we don’t like it, we can back out,” he said.

Council agreed to sign the city into One Ohio after an executive session during which members discussed pending lawsuits.

Elyria sued Purdue Pharmacy, the maker of the painkiller Oxycontin in November 2017.

The state also filed a lawsuit in 2017.

In September 2019, Purdue Pharmacy settled lawsuits with thousands of local governments over the opioid crisis.

Elyria would be the first Lorain County city to sign the agreement.

Lorain and North Ridgeville had their own litigation cases over the opioid crisis as did Lorain County.

“We’d be aligned with different counties, and hopefully, we get through this,” Stewart said. “There’s a lot going on.”