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Quitman board settles resident’s damage claim for $569.16 after executive session
Summary
The board approved a $569.16 settlement for a resident, Henry Alford, whose small fruit trees were damaged during city ditch work; the board entered executive session to discuss potential litigation before approving the payment and asking staff to obtain a standard release.
The Quitman City Equipment Board approved a $569.16 settlement March 3 for a resident who claimed fruit trees were damaged during ditch rework. The resident, identified in the transcript as Henry Alford, provided a Lowe’s valuation for five trees and the board discussed whether the trees were on the city easement or private property.
After staff described the circumstances and the potential easement questions, the board moved into closed (executive) session to discuss potential litigation. When the board reconvened, it voted to settle the claim for $569.16 and directed staff to obtain a release form from the claimant as standard practice for paid claims.
City staff noted they had previously offered to dig up and relocate the trees but the resident declined; staff also noted trees were damaged in the clearing process and that whether the trees were on the official easement remained unclear. The city attorney advised the board on the legal discretion to settle claims. Staff will contact the resident to obtain the signed release and finalize payment.
