Board votes in closed session to defend claim and retain outside counsel

Shasta County counsel reported out after closed session on Oct. 7 that the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to defend a pending claim against the county and to retain outside counsel.

County Counsel Joe Larimer told the board and public, on the record after closed session, that R6 (closed-session item) produced no reportable action. For R7, Larimer reported the board voted five-zero “to defend the claim and hire outside counsel.” Larimer gave no further details in open session about the nature of the claim or legal strategy; the board conducted the substantive discussion in closed session.

Why this matters: A public report that the board has chosen to defend a claim and hire outside counsel indicates the county will continue litigation or administrative defense rather than negotiate an immediate settlement. The board’s decision could have financial and risk-management implications; the transcript did not disclose details such as potential liability amounts or the identity of the claimant.

County counsel said no further report was available in open session.