Board postpones decision on reimbursing two deputies’ legal fees after heated debate

Augusta County supervisors postponed consideration of two requests to reimburse sheriff’s deputies for legal fees after extended debate over statutory authority and whether taxpayer funds should cover defense costs tied to alleged misconduct.

County counsel presented memoranda and supporting documentation for reimbursement requests from deputies William Micolay and Charles Taylor Jr., saying the requests meet the requirements of the cited statute in the packet and that the Compensation Board would reimburse two‑thirds of amounts the county pays. Counsel noted one charge had already been dismissed and a remaining charge was scheduled for dismissal in February; the deputies requested reimbursement for the portion of fees related to dismissed charges.

One supervisor argued against using taxpayer money when deputies had stipulated sufficient facts in plea agreements or been found guilty in lower courts before appeals, saying "taxpayers don't deserve to pay for their mistakes." The opposing view stressed the board’s role is not to adjudicate court matters and pointed to statutory provisions allowing reimbursement. After a motion to reimburse and substantial discussion, a motion to postpone the matter until the next meeting carried; the clerk announced the item was postponed for two weeks to allow members more time to review the memos and statutory implications.

The county attorney confirmed there is no statutory deadline demanding immediate action and that the Compensation Board would reimburse two‑thirds of amounts the county certifies if the board chooses to pay under the statute. The board did not reach a final decision on reimbursement at this meeting.