Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legal Settlement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board authorizes settlement of Heritage Commerce LLC lawsuit in closed session
Summary
In closed session the board authorized the county administrator and county attorney to execute settlement documents for Heritage Commerce LLC v. County of Stafford, CL25-888; the board later certified the closed session and passed the authorization by recorded vote.
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors authorized settlement of Heritage Commerce LLC v. County of Stafford (case CL25-888) during a closed session on June 3 and subsequently voted in open session to permit the county administrator and county attorney to execute the required settlement documents.
Under Virginia law the board moved into a closed meeting to consider the disposition of real property and litigation strategy; the closed meeting resolution cited Virginia Code sections permitting closed discussion of bargaining strategy and legal consultation. After the closed session the board certified, in open session, that only the topics identified in the motion were discussed. The Board then adopted Resolution R25-168 authorizing settlement and execution of documents related to the Heritage Commerce matter.
The precise settlement terms were not read into the public record during the open session. The recorded motion authorized the county administrator and county attorney to execute any and all documents necessary to settle the case. The board voted to approve the authorization in open session; the transcript records the vote as unanimous.
County staff indicated the matter had been briefed in closed session because public discussion could have adversely affected the county’s bargaining posture, consistent with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act exemptions cited by staff. No further details about the settlement amount or related property transactions were disclosed at the meeting.
