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Board agrees to proceed with ICAP invoice payment; reimbursement from plaintiffs seen as unlikely
Summary
Supervisors discussed a second ICAP invoice related to a dismissed court action; county counsel and ICAP representatives said the county policy requires payment, ICAP covered most costs, and recovering fees from plaintiffs was unlikely.
The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors discussed an ICAP invoice for legal costs arising from a dismissed court matter and agreed to proceed under the county's policy to pay ICAP’s assessed portion.
Speaker 13, addressing the board, said ICAP covered about 85% of the cost and suggested that pursuing recovery from the plaintiffs would likely be unsuccessful and could cost more than any sum recovered. "If they were interested in going after the plaintiffs, and let's be honest, that's a very slim chance of getting anything," Speaker 13 said.
Speaker 3, speaking for county counsel, said the county's understanding under Iowa practice was that the county remains responsible for the costs and that ICAP’s assessment is consistent with policy; the board has already paid roughly $3,800 and was reviewing a second invoice. The board directed staff (Darcy) to move forward with payment under the existing ICAP agreement while continuing discussions about particulars and any potential reimbursement.
Supervisors noted frustration with continuing legal administration costs but confirmed the policy obligation and a preference to close the chapter and move on rather than prolonged collection efforts.
No vote to pursue litigation against plaintiffs was taken; board action authorized staff to process ICAP payment per policy and follow up on reimbursement possibilities with ICAP.
