County attorney reports $8,500 settlement in malicious‑prosecution claim; insurance to cover cost

The county attorney informed the board that Granite County has agreed to a settlement of $8,500 in a legal claim that alleged malicious prosecution related to disorderly conduct cases.

The county attorney said the prosecutor (county attorney) had been dismissed from the case on immunity grounds but the county remained a defendant and Mako (the county’s insurer/defense counsel) negotiated settlement of $8,500 to resolve the matter and avoid prolonged litigation and additional attorney fees. The attorney described the cases as nuisance litigation that could have generated larger fees for all parties if litigated to trial.

Commissioners asked procedural questions about coverage and deductibles; staff confirmed this settlement would be covered by the county’s insurance policy and that routine follow‑up to close the matter would take place. No vote or policy change was required; the briefing served as notice to the board and a record for the county minutes.