County staff briefed both committees on a class-action settlement involving Discover Card fee classifications for transactions between January 2007 and December 31, 2023. The County was identified as a claimant for some departments that used Discover.

County staff explained the settlement’s mechanics and said the minimum estimated recovery per eligible claimant is $10, but the per-claimant amount could be reduced pro rata if aggregate claims reach thresholds (staff noted $50,000,000 as a point at which reductions could occur). The packet included an example for the Register of Deeds and staff indicated additional departments may be eligible.

Committees voted to participate and to authorize staff to file claims to recover any settlement funds due to the county. Administrator Leonard described participation as low-risk administrative work that could result in a small budget amendment if funds are received.