County authorizes legal defense and indemnity for employees named in estate lawsuit

The Lewis County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9 approved Resolution 25-253 to provide legal defense and indemnity to county employees who are named in litigation brought by the estate of Brandon Blurton. Commissioners voted 2-0 to approve the deliberation-item package that included the measure.

Becky Butler presented the item and said the resolution authorizes legal defense and indemnity for Lewis County employees who are currently employed as well as a few who have left employment, and that one named employee has not yet been contacted and may be added to the list.

Why it matters: indemnity and defense authorizations determine whether the county will cover legal costs and provide representation for employees named in litigation, which has fiscal and personnel implications.

What to watch: the county manager and risk/legal staff will implement the resolution details; any additional named employees will be addressed as they are identified.