Board waives attorney‑client privilege in Anderson Millville case; vote 4‑1 with Supervisor Long dissenting

The Shasta County Board of Supervisors voted 4‑1 on July 29 to waive attorney‑client privilege and release bills paid by the real party in interest in the case Anderson Millville residents v. County of Shasta. The board recorded one dissent from Supervisor Long. County Counsel Joseph Larman reported the vote after closed session, calling the action a release of attorney‑client privilege and of bills paid by the real party in interest to the payor.

The motion was made and acted on during the board's closed session under agenda item R4, which the board later confirmed had been heard. County Counsel Joseph Larman reported there were no other reportable actions from R4. The board did not disclose additional details in open session beyond the summary the counsel provided.

The vote followed public comment during the open meeting, where residents raised two separate topics related to the item: opposition to proposed wind energy projects and concerns about local land‑use disputes tied to the underlying litigation. Those comments preceded the board's recess into closed session.

Why it matters: Waiving attorney‑client privilege in a publicly filed dispute can release documents and billing records that may affect public understanding of a county legal matter and expenditures. The board's decision means those materials may now be available to the parties or the public depending on subsequent disclosures.

What the board said: County Counsel Joseph Larman reported the result in open session: “The Anderson Millville residents v. County of Shasta, et al. Patrick Jones real party in interest was heard. Reportable action is the board voted in a 4‑1 with Long dissenting vote to waive the attorney client privilege and releases the bills paid by the real party and interest to the payor.”

What happens next: The board provided no additional schedule for document release during the meeting. Members of the public and parties to the case will have to monitor subsequent filings or direct requests to the county for any materials released under the waiver.

Ending: The board concluded its meeting after reporting that R4 had been heard and that the waiver was the only reportable action from that item.