An Excerpt

Penobscot Metro’s attorney, John Doyle of Portland, agrees with the council’s reasoning.

“We believe the clinic’s 202 waitlist, the serious and ongoing risk of overdoses and deaths from lack of treatment, and the ongoing and growing opioid epidemic absolutely constitutes an ongoing emergency,” Doyle said in an email on Friday.

“With the repeal and the anticipated issuance of the amended state license authorizing additional slots, the clinic will be able to begin intakes and treatment for those most seriously at risk,” Doyle added.