Legal Representation of Commissioner Doug Underhill
From:
ALISON ROGERS, County Attorney
Organization:
County Attorney's Office
CAO Approval:
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation Concerning Legal Representation of Commissioner Doug Underhill.
At the request of Commissioner Doug Underhill, that the Board discuss:
Whether the Board will pay the McDonald Fleming law firm for attorney's fees and costs incurred during the successful defense of County Commissioner Doug Underhill in a defamation action brought against him by Scott Miller in Escambia County Circuit Court case 2019 CA 000931.
[Contingent on the Board's approval, funds will come from the General Fund 001, Cost Center 110201.]
BACKGROUND:
Circuit Court Case 2019 CA 000931 was filed on June 7, 2019 and served on Commissioner Underhill on June 17, 2019. On October 4, 2019, Circuit Court Judge Stephen Pitre signed an Order on Summary Judgment for the Defendant Doug Underhill, attached with this recommendation along with copies of fees and costs incurred to date.
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
Contingent on the Board's approval, funds will come from the General Fund 001, Cost Center 110201.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF:
To be discussed with the County Attorney; the Board policy is attached.
PERSONNEL:
N/A
POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION:
Subject to Legal Representation for Commissioners and County Employees, Section II, Part C.35 Board Policy dated May 15, 2014.