Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legal Litigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Josephine County commissioners authorize counsel to execute documents in Brandes lawsuit
Summary
After a 15-minute executive session under ORS 192.660(2)(h), the Josephine County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 on June 2 to authorize county legal counsel to execute documents on the county's behalf in the case Robert Brandes v. Josephine County (1:26-cv-00286-CL).
The Josephine County Board of County Commissioners unanimously authorized county legal counsel to execute documents related to the lawsuit Robert Brandes v. Josephine County, case No. 1:26-cv-00286-CL, during its June 2, 2026 meeting.
Commissioner Colene M. Martin announced the board had received an update from legal counsel and moved to "authorize legal counsel to execute documents on behalf of the County." Commissioner Gary L. Richardson seconded the motion; the board approved it on a roll call vote of 3-0 (Richardson — yes; Martin — yes; Smith — yes).
The board held a brief executive session under Oregon statute ORS 192.660(2)(h), which the meeting record cites as the authority for an executive session to discuss litigation. Chair Ron A. Smith called the executive session at 3:01 p.m.; the meeting record shows it adjourned at 3:16 p.m. Minutes for the executive session are filed separately, per the record.
Attendees listed in the meeting record for the executive session included County Legal Counsel Wally Hicks; CIS claims representatives Twyla Campbel and Tracy McGovern (listed as a CIS attorney); Human Resources Director Michelle Shaw; and reporter Chrissy Ewald. The record does not specify the exact documents authorized or any terms related to the authorization.
The board convened its open session at 3:00 p.m. in the Board of Commissioners Conference Room and adjourned at 3:17 p.m.
No additional public details about the litigation or any settlement terms appear in the meeting record.
