West Memphis council votes to reject $250,000 settlement demand in officer27s federal case

The West Memphis City Council voted to reject a $250,000 settlement demand tied to an upcoming federal trial involving a city police officer.

City Attorney Stevenson briefed the council that the city had been dismissed from the lawsuit but the officer remained the defendant; he said the municipal league provides defense coverage and characterized the plaintiff27s demand as excessive. "My recommendation is to reject it with no counter offer," Stevenson told the council.

Stevenson explained the municipal league27s typical coverage arrangement and told council the league would pay 90% of any judgment or settlement and the city would be responsible for 10%. After discussion the council moved, seconded and recorded votes rejecting the demand. Councilor Muhammed registered an abstention during the roll call; other councilors recorded "reject."

Stevenson told the council that additional demands could arise as the case proceeds to trial and that he would report back if new information or offers were made. The council27s action at the meeting was a procedural decision to decline the current demand and not to make a counteroffer.

The city did not vote on litigation strategy for the officer defendant, and no settlement funds were authorized at the meeting.