The Starke County Commissioners agreed that the county needs to join in the lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
County Attorney Marty Lucas informed the board Monday night that he contacted several law firms about the lawsuit and talked to an attorney from the Taft Firm out of Indianapolis who is willing to include Starke County in the lawsuit. The only expense the county would incur is time for evidence and witness testimony.
He said Starke County is among the worst when it comes to opioid abuse.
Commissioner Kathy Norem said the county has spent a lot of money toward the rehabilitation of opioid abusers as well as the effect of actions caused by opioid addicts.
Lucas said the county could receive 75 percent of the award that could go toward programs or other costs involved in the fight against opioid addiction.
The commissioners approved a motion to enter into a contract with the Taft Firm pending further review by the county attorney.
