Judge voids 2023 intergovernmental agreement; board to hire appellate counsel after judge found procedural defects

A Superior Court ruling found procedural defects in the county’s July 2023 intergovernmental agreement with the Redding Rancheria, and the issue was discussed in closed session on Aug. 12. Members of the public and several board speakers referenced Judge Baker’s decision, which concluded the board had not provided notice to affected department heads or received input from key stakeholders such as the sheriff, fire chief and district attorney before adopting the agreement.

Following closed‑session consultation the board reported a single action: by a 5‑0 vote the board retained Green, Martin, Stein & Rich LLP as appellate counsel to evaluate legal options in response to the court ruling. Several speakers at public comment urged full transparency, release of communications and an independent audit of county service costs related to the casino and public safety services the tribe has previously accessed without a financial offset.

CEOs and department heads previously advised the board at the time the agreement was being considered; public comment at the Aug. 12 meeting emphasized the need to understand litigation costs to the county and asked staff to quantify the fiscal impact of servicing the Wind River Casino and related tribal facilities.

The board’s reported closed‑session action (hire of appellate counsel) indicates the county is evaluating whether to pursue an appeal or other legal options following the judge’s order. The board did not announce a final course of action at the meeting.