Orange County board reports closed-session denials and workers'-compensation settlements

County counsel reported out of closed session that the Orange County Board of Supervisors took several actions under state Government Code provisions.

On the claim from Mikhail Trubchik seeking $2,345,000, the board unanimously rejected the claim and also rejected the claimant's best-and-final demand of $1,800,000. On a separate motion recorded in closed session, the board, on a 3–2 vote (supervisors Wagner and Wynne voted no; Chair and Vice Chair and Supervisor Sarmiento voted yes), delegated limited settlement authority to risk management to make a counter offer to the claimant.

The board also approved proposed workers' compensation settlements in three matters: a $175,000 settlement in Milton Thomas v. County of Orange; a proposed $375,000 settlement in Daryl McKinney v. County of Orange; and a proposed $369,275.94 settlement in Ronald Byers v. County of Orange. County counsel noted those agreements remain subject to final approval by other parties; finalized copies will be available through risk management upon request.

Why it matters: The reported closed-session decisions involve potential county liability and transfers of settlement authority to risk-management staff. The Trubchik matter involved a substantial claim that the board voted not to accept as presented but authorized a limited counter-offer through staff.

What the transcript records: The transcript records the vote split (3–2) and the dollar amounts cited above; it does not include the board debate in open session about these items because the deliberations occurred in closed session.

Next steps: County counsel said finalized agreements will be made public through the risk-management office after any required approvals.