Alicia Leonard
SoWal Insider
I agree. IG, has Judge Green signed off on the agreement? We were only informed that he would review it this afternoon and I have not received word, yet, that it has been signed.
-
Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
Walton County Commissioners' video deposition in public records lawsuit
- Thread starter Interested Girl
- Start date
I agree. IG, has Judge Green signed off on the agreement? We were only informed that he would review it this afternoon and I have not received word, yet, that it has been signed.
Interested Girl
Beach Fanatic
"I don't know"
Alicia Leonard
SoWal Insider
Alicia Leonard
SoWal Insider
I'd like to post a clarification that I was just made aware of. Although the document reads as follows, the actual total amount to be paid to Ms. Harris is $155,000. There were no damages awarded in this case. This total I am told includes attorney fees.
9. The Defendants acknowledge that Ms. Suzanne Harris is entitled to an award of attorneys’ fees and costs under Section 119.12, Florida Statutes. The Parties agree that TWO HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($230,000.00) is a reasonable attorney fee award. Within twenty (20) business days after the entry of this Final Judgment, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners shall pay ONE HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($148,500.00) to Ms. Suzanne Harris and the Clerk of the Courts shall pay SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($6,500.00) to Ms. Suzanne Harris. The total payments to Ms. Suzanne Harris shall total ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($155,000.00). The Walton County Board of County Commissioners shall also pay all fees and costs charged by the mediator in this matter.
9. The Defendants acknowledge that Ms. Suzanne Harris is entitled to an award of attorneys’ fees and costs under Section 119.12, Florida Statutes. The Parties agree that TWO HUNDRED THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($230,000.00) is a reasonable attorney fee award. Within twenty (20) business days after the entry of this Final Judgment, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners shall pay ONE HUNDRED FORTY EIGHT THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($148,500.00) to Ms. Suzanne Harris and the Clerk of the Courts shall pay SIX THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($6,500.00) to Ms. Suzanne Harris. The total payments to Ms. Suzanne Harris shall total ONE HUNDRED FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($155,000.00). The Walton County Board of County Commissioners shall also pay all fees and costs charged by the mediator in this matter.
Last edited:
Interested Girl
Beach Fanatic
"I don't know, either."
But, I will before we go to press. ;-)
Judge Laporte and Judge Green have signed the two settlement agreements. They were filed with the Clerks office at 11:30.
Interested Girl
Beach Fanatic
I don't know the realities in this case but normally when "reasonable attorney fees" are stipulated the are paid as stipulated. Would it be that the balance of $155,00 we her costs. Normally you would receive reasonable attorney's fees plus costs.
I don't know the answer but I'm sure you will get it straightened out.
Alicia Leonard
SoWal Insider
Not in this case, per my source. The total amount paid out by the county will be the $155,000. Since this was agreed upon in mediation, we will not know how this agreement was reached until those records become public.
scooterbug44
SoWal Expert
So I just need to find myself an attorney, make a stupid request, and then I too can rake in HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS in taxpayer dollars while we have a budget crisis, services go unfunded, and we lay off or cut the hours of employees? 
Interested Girl
Beach Fanatic
So I just need to find myself an attorney, make a stupid request, and then I too can rake in HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS in taxpayer dollars while we have a budget crisis, services go unfunded, and we lay off or cut the hours of employees?
Or the county could have simply provided the documents requested in the request and sent her a bill for the time and benefits plus 15 cents per page and saved us all a lot of money.
They did not respond in over a year.
Why ? What were they hiding that they were willing to pay that type of settlement to keep from becoming public. If they could have won the case they would not have settled. They were given very bad legal advice, but what the heck - they weren't spending their personal money.
