Mullins council grants expanded authority to lawsuits committee in 5-2 vote

The Mullins City Council voted 5–2 on May 26 to give the city's Lawsuits and Litigations Committee expanded authority to direct legal counsel and act on litigation matters without routinely returning to the full council. The item came during a budget workshop held at the Raymond Pridgen Auditorium.

As chair of the committee, Council Member Kindra Brewton-Pompey asked the council to "empower the committee with full authority of Council to direct legal counsel, engage in and approve or reject any settlement offers or proposals, and act in any manner the committee or legal counsel, in their sole discretion, deems prudent and proper," according to the minutes. Council Member Eddie Kitchen moved to accept the request and Council Member Luke Gasque seconded the motion.

Discussion among council members focused on defining the scope of that empowerment and on procedures: the minutes note that the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) handles lawsuits after they are served and that the committee must still follow applicable meeting rules. After debate, the motion passed 5'0. Ayes were recorded as Luke Gasque, Albert Woodberry, Kindra Brewton-Pompey, Eddie Kitchen and Carolyn Wilson; Nays were Mayor Miko Pickett and Council Member Terry Davis.

The council's action gives the committee authority to engage counsel and negotiate settlements within the scope described in the motion; the minutes do not record any immediate settlement decisions or specific litigation actions following the vote. Council records show the committee, now authorized, may take future steps under that granted authority.