NEW ULM — The New Ulm City Council approved another settlement agreement related to the nationwide lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors.

In the wake of the opioid crisis, Minnesota and other states have engaged in a series of lawsuits linked to the crisis. The structure of the lawsuits requires cities with populations of over 10,000 to sign off on settlements to maximize the amount of funding the state receives.

Last year the city council approved participating in the settlement agreement that would ensure Brown County received settlement money.

New Ulm City Manager Chris Dalton said a second round of lawsuits was filed with a settlement agreement in place. This round of lawsuits is specifically against the opioid supply chain.

By signing the agreement, Minnesota will recover more money from the settlements. New Ulm will not directly receive the settlement money. It will go to Brown County’s Health and Human Services where is can be used to benefit those most impacted by the opioid crisis.