Opioid crisis on the docket for Lee County Commissioners

Dec. 16--The Lee County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday for the last time before the new year. The board will discuss a public health nuisance declaration and new drone use policy, among other issues.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Lee County Government Center at 106 Hillcrest Drive, Sanford.

ON THE AGENDA

WHAT

Public Health Nuisance Declaration

WHY IT MATTERS

According to the agenda, the board will consider adopting a resolution declaring opioids a public health nuisance in response to the statewide opioid litigation against pharmaceutical companies, including one lawsuit against Purdue Pharma filed by the North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein in May.

Lee County, in addition to other counties participating in the lawsuit, was asked to declare the public health nuisance outlining the scope of the opioid crisis. This follows the board's entrance into a fee arrangement with Baron & Budd national consortium law firm to represent the county.

The proposed resolution includes language describing a public health and safety crisis involving opioid abuse, as well as a statement that the board has received information indicating manufacturers and distributors of controlled substances in Lee County may have violated the law.

WHAT

Drone Use Policy

WHY IT MATTERS

According to the agenda, the board will consider approving a new Drone Use Policy required for the operation of drones by the Lee County Sheriff's Office and Lee County Emergency Services.

Both agencies plan on purchasing drones to use in searches for missing persons or fleeing suspects, gathering information about fires, investigating crime scenes, conducting specialty rescues and other operations.

The Drone Use Policy outlines training and licensure requirements for drone operators, the circumstances under which drones could be operated and other rules and restrictions.

Reach Staff Writer Jasmine Gallup at 919-718-1217.

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