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Washington County approves $500,000 settlement in federal case with Eagle Crest after contentious debate
Summary
After extended public comment and divided debate, the Washington County Quorum Court voted to approve a $500,000 appropriation to settle a federal lawsuit alleging Fair Housing Act and ADA violations by Eagle Crest LLC, with supporters saying it caps taxpayer exposure and opponents warning it sets a bad precedent.
The Washington County Quorum Court voted to appropriate $500,000 from unappropriated reserves to settle federal litigation brought by Eagle Crest LLC alleging violations of the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Justice Eke introduced the appropriation ordinance. The measure prompted an extended discussion among justices and residents: some members warned the county faced a substantial probability of losing at trial and could incur far greater costs, while others criticized the county's prior handling of the matter and said settling rewarded noncompliance.
Justice Lyons…
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