AI- 4686
1.
Special / Executive Session Board of Supervisors Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 07/30/2019
- Title:
- Adjudication in In re San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area Case W1-11-232
- Submitted By:
- Britt Hanson, County Attorney
- Department:
- County Attorney
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Document Signatures:
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Britt Hanson
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Chief Civil Deputy
Mandated Function?:
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve Engagement Letter to Retain Sara Ransom, and TSL Law Group, to represent Cochise County in concluding the adjudication in In re San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area Case W1-11-232.
Pursuant to A.R.S. 38-431(A)(3) and (4), the Board may go into executive session to obtain legal advice from its attorneys regarding pending litigation.
Background:
Deputy County Attorney Sara Ransom has been representing the County in the adjudication of water rights regarding the Upper San Pedro River, including attending and presenting witnesses and arguments during a 6+ week trial on water rights. The trial has now concluded, but the Court has asked for briefs in support of closing arguments in the case.
Effective July 15, 2019, Ms. Ransom resigned from the County Attorney's Office to take a job as of counsel with TSL Law Group. After consulting with County Administrator Ed Gilligan, the County Attorney is recommending that the Board retain Ms. Ransom, through TSL Law Group (which has a specialty in water law), to prepare and submit final briefs in the matter. Ms. Ransom has estimated the total cost at $25,000, at the rate of $295 per hour.
The potential benefits to the County of submitting briefs on closing arguments are strategic and would be addressed in executive session if the Board deems it appropriate.
Effective July 15, 2019, Ms. Ransom resigned from the County Attorney's Office to take a job as of counsel with TSL Law Group. After consulting with County Administrator Ed Gilligan, the County Attorney is recommending that the Board retain Ms. Ransom, through TSL Law Group (which has a specialty in water law), to prepare and submit final briefs in the matter. Ms. Ransom has estimated the total cost at $25,000, at the rate of $295 per hour.
The potential benefits to the County of submitting briefs on closing arguments are strategic and would be addressed in executive session if the Board deems it appropriate.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
Have the Board Chair sign the engagement letter.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
The County would not have the benefit of Ms. Ransom's expertise in presenting closing briefs.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Have the Board Chair sign the engagement letter and return a signed copy to Ms. Ransom.