Warren County's committee approved several county-attorney requests July 31 to ensure continued legal representation in ongoing matters and to cover an unexpected vaccine loss.
Committee members voted to increase contractual authority for the law firm Grama Romer, Wallins, Gold and Mill (firm name in packet) from $60,000 to $120,000 to cover continued defense of an ongoing federal-district lawsuit, Kathleen Innis v. County of Warren. The committee also approved a related 2025 budget request for $10,000 to cover expected near-term costs; the county attorney said the remaining increase would be requested in the 2026 budget. The motion to bring the contract adjustment and the budget request to the floor was approved by voice vote.
Separately, the committee appropriated $4,227.05 from the insurance reserve to a preventive-disease-control budget line to cover lost rabies and human vaccines that were contaminated when a refrigerator failed. County staff explained the insurance reserve exists to pay property and casualty losses within deductible limits so contingency funds are not repeatedly used for such unforeseen expenses.
The committee also approved a resolution authorizing the board chair to execute any settlement documents in the matter of Ernest v. County of Warren, in a form approved by the county attorney, so the county can proceed quickly should a settlement arise before the trial date. Committee members asked whether such matters would be discussed in executive session; the county attorney said that issue could be addressed during executive session.
All items passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.