In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a new civil rights case involving Officer Adam Ball and a plaintiff named Alexander Registra. The case, filed in April 2024, stems from a traffic stop in which Officer Ball, suspecting drug activity due to the smell of marijuana, called for a K-9 unit to search the vehicle. The plaintiff, who was detained for approximately 30 minutes, was ultimately released without any charges or findings of illegal substances.

The allegations against Officer Ball include false imprisonment, false arrest, and racial discrimination under the Arkansas Civil Rights Act, with claims that the plaintiff was racially profiled during the stop. The case has been moved to federal court, and no significant actions have taken place yet, as the court has only issued an initial scheduling order.

During the meeting, legal representatives discussed the potential financial implications of the case, particularly the risk of accumulating high attorney fees if the case proceeds to trial. To mitigate these costs, a strategy was proposed to make an \"offer of judgment\" to the plaintiff, suggesting a settlement of $7,500 plus reasonable attorney fees. This approach aims to limit the city’s financial exposure should the jury award the plaintiff a nominal amount, as the plaintiff would only be entitled to attorney fees incurred up to the date of the offer if they do not exceed the settlement amount.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about settling early, emphasizing the importance of understanding all facts before making a decision. Some voiced concerns about the implications of settling when they believe the officers acted appropriately. The discussion highlighted the complexities of legal strategy in civil rights cases, particularly in the absence of body camera footage, which could complicate the defense.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further deliberation before proceeding with the proposed settlement offer, reflecting a cautious approach to the ongoing legal matter.