Board directs attorneys to negotiate settlements tied to alleged treasurer embezzlement
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Summary
After an executive session, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors directed legal counsel to negotiate settlements with local fire districts related to litigation stemming from alleged embezzlement by a former county treasurer; action was taken consistent with executive-session direction.
Following an executive session convened under the cited Arizona statute, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on April 15 directed county attorneys to negotiate settlement consistent with the board’s executive-session instructions in litigation related to alleged embezzlement by a former county treasurer, Elizabeth Gutvar.
The board moved into executive session to consult with legal counsel "pursuant to ARS 38-431.03 A(3) and (4)" (as read aloud at the meeting) about potential settlements with Rurico Medical and Fire District, Nogales Suburban Fire District, and possibly other districts concerning litigation matters related to the alleged embezzlement. After returning to general session, the board voted to instruct attorneys to negotiate settlement consistent with executive-session direction and authorized counsel to proceed.
The board recorded a voice vote and the motion carried. The board did not discuss settlement terms in open session, citing attorney–client privilege and executive-session confidentiality; staff indicated the negotiation instruction was limited to the scope discussed in executive session.
Next steps: county legal staff will pursue negotiations with the specified fire districts and report back to the board as allowed by legal constraints and confidentiality that governs executive-session deliberations.
