Board approves $50,000 increase for outside counsel contract tied to sheriff litigation

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an increase on Oct. 7 to an outside counsel contract that County Counsel said is needed to continue specialized representation in litigation involving the county and the sheriff’s office.

Charlotte Scott, County Counsel, told the board the contract increase relates to the case identified as Round Valley Indian Tribes, James et al. v. Mendocino County, which is a litigation matter with ongoing motion practice and an unpredictable schedule. Scott said those litigation costs are not part of the County Counsel office’s general operating budget but are paid from the county’s risk-based legal budget; the firm providing the representation, she said, offers competitive rates and specialized experience.

Several members of the public asked for clarity in advance of the vote. Dee Lisonbee and other speakers raised concerns about the county’s recurring spending on outside law firms and the absence of detail in the agenda summary explaining why an increase was necessary less than four months after the contract was approved. Scott and other staff explained the timing stems from the unpredictable pace of litigation and that the contract is a capped amount that comes back to the board if increases are needed.

Supervisor Klein asked that County Counsel provide additional context for the item following public comment; Scott described the funding source and explained the county monitors invoices closely. The Board voted to increase the contract cap as presented. The motion carried unanimously by button vote.

The agenda listed this item on the consent calendar (item 3P); County Counsel confirmed funding practices and oversight would continue and indicated staff will brief the board if invoicing or rates raise concerns.