After meeting in executive session Wood County commissioners adopted a resolution to approve the settlement between Wood County and Johnson and Johnson in the Wood County vs. Perdue Pharma L.P. This resolution concerns the Texas Opioid litigation in the 152nd District Court in Harris County.

The resolution states there is a substantial need for repayment of opioid-related expenditures and payment to abate opioid-related harms in and about Wood County. The resolution also states the additional purpose is to ensure effective means of distributing any potential settlement funds obtained and under the jurisdiction of Texas courts in a manner and means that would promote effective and meaningful use of the funds in abating the opioid epidemic in Wood County and throughout Texas.

Several personnel actions were approved. Christi Billman was hired as the new Veterans Service Officer part-time. Personnel moves in the Wood County Sheriff’s Office were Jennifer Sepulvado from deputy to environmental officer, Jaclyn Trevebaugh moved from deputy to sergeant, David Tipps resigned and Madison Holland was a part-time hire as a cook in the corrections department. Cara Farrell resigned from her post as a tax deputy at the tax office.

Several temporary hires for the upcoming election were made by the Wood County Elections Office. Those hires were Patricia Durst, Brenda Hunter, Sara Phillips, John Wise, Darrell Campbell, Mary Jane Young, Betty Stribley and Christine Roberts.

Commissioners approved the tax collector/assessor’s indemnification request authorizing the Wood County auditor to charge off $1,000 in county funds.

They approved relocating CR 3780 and creating CR 3781 and 3782. Commissioners approved revisions in Lots O, 68 and 70 in section 1 and lots 5R and 7, section 8, both in the Holly Lake Ranch subdivision. 

The approval of claims was also approved. Those included health and dental at $236,670; payroll $405,436; and accounts payable $311,958.