Tumwater City Council agrees to pool opioid settlement funds with partner jurisdictions

Tumwater City Council approved the pooling of opioid settlement funds with neighboring jurisdictions, aiming to support Thurston County’s Opioid Abatement Council. The total expected contribution is $461,833, comprising $365,805 already received and additional funds for 2026 and 2027. Council member Leatta Dahlhoff highlighted the importance of hiring service providers to implement opioid prevention initiatives, citing the OAC's insufficient capacity to pursue such projects alone. The OAC was scheduled to meet on November 5 to discuss whether other jurisdictions would join the fund pooling effort. If the plan proceeds, the OAC will need to amend its interlocal agreement to allow for this financial collaboration.

City Administrator Lisa Parks indicated that the amended agreement would be presented by the end of the year or early next year. The council's decision serves as guidance, with a formal budget amendment required next year to authorize the use of the funds. This initiative reflects broader efforts across the country to address the opioid crisis through legal settlements and community support.