POMEROY–The Garfield County Commissioners (BOCC) voted to join a class action settlement against AmerisourceBergen Corporation, Cardinal Health, Inc, and McKesson Corporation, all three opioid manufacturers at their meeting on August 22.

Other plaintiffs include all Washington State counties, as well as cities with a population over 10,000.

Garfield County’s share of the proposed settlement is $3,000 per year up to a total of $64,000.

The suit is being handled by the Washington State Attorney General’s office and charges the manufacturers with deaths, increased crime rates, and other problems caused by opioid addictions that the counties and cities have had to deal with.

Commissioners also accepted bids for concrete work and 911 call handling equipment.

They also announced that there will be no chicken scramble at the 2022 Garfield County Fair.

Due to concern over avian influenza, all poultry activities at the Garfield County Fair will be suspended for 2022.

This prohibition includes all live bird exhibits and the chicken scramble. Egg exhibiting is not affected.

Knox Concrete’s bid for $18,235.10 to lay 12 yards of concrete, including a handicap accessible ramp, was accepted. The work will be completed before the fair in September.

The commissioners also accepted a Motorola communication and systems service agreement for 911 call handling equipment replacement. The agreement is for $133,169.30 and will be paid through reimbursement from the State of Washington through 911 equipment control and VSO programs, and a previously received emergency management grant.