Public questions Groundwater Authority communications after erroneous settlement release reported by local paper
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Public commenters and board members raised concerns that a press release announcing a settlement with a local mining company was issued prematurely and remained on Authority channels; staff declined to discuss details citing ongoing litigation and attorney‑client privilege.
During public comment and later in the general manager’s report the Authority heard repeated concerns about a press release circulated by its communications firm that a local paper characterized as announcing a settlement between the Authority and a mining company. Judy Decker said the release was premature and urged the Authority to be more careful; a local reporter in the meeting quoted the paper saying the release had been "sent in error" and that no signed agreement existed as of October 30.
Counsel advised staff not to engage on litigation details in open session, and staff said it had not retracted the release on its social channels. Board members expressed frustration about the mixed messaging on the website and social media and asked staff to check and correct postings. No board action concerning the release was taken at the meeting.
Transcript contains inconsistent spellings for the mining company referenced ("Searls Valley Minerals" in an early public comment and "Cyril Valley Minerals" in the media excerpt). Staff said it would follow up internally; counsel cautioned against public discussion because of ongoing legal matters.