Roosevelt to review agreement with law firm

PORTALES — Roosevelt County may officially become the next entity to sue pharmaceutical companies for the alleged deceptive marketing of addictive opioid drugs.

The Roosevelt County Commission will review at its 9 a.m. meeting today a retainer agreement with Albuquerque law firm Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy, and Conway for representation against several major pharmaceutical companies.

According to the contract in the meeting's packet, Roosevelt County will pay the firm 25 percent of all amounts recovered, if litigation is successful.

County Attorney Randy Knudson brought the nationwide litigation to the commission's attention in February, pointing out that several New Mexico counties were participating.

Also at today's meeting at 9 a.m. in the Roosevelt County Courthouse:

• Commissioners will consider approval of the annual review and revisions to the Roosevelt County Detention Center Policy and Procedures Manual.

• Third quarter budget adjustments for 2018 will be considered.

• Commissioners will consider the renewal of an agreement in which the RCDC houses pre-trial detainees from Cannon Air Force Base.

• The commission will discuss and consider a community development block grant project following several public hearings.

County Manager Amber Hamilton said the county has already created a list of projects based on input received at the hearings.