Fresno County reports $2.5 million settlement package in Hernandez case; $10,000 recording‑fee reimbursement approved

County counsel reported to the board on March 3 that the county resolved the Hernandez litigation under terms executed Feb. 13, 2026: the settlement provides for $1,500,000 to be paid by Fresno County and $1,000,000 by the county’s vendor Proteus, according to the report. County counsel said a copy of the executed agreement is available from the county counsel’s office.

Earlier in the meeting’s closed session report‑out, county counsel also said the board approved reimbursement of $10,000 to Jean M. Pledger for excessive recording fees collected by the recorder; the payment will come from recorded‑recording fees collected by the department.

Why it matters: Large settlements affect county finances and may have implications for contracting and vendor oversight. County counsel indicated the vendor Proteus is contributing to the settlement under the executed agreement.

What’s next: County counsel said the settlement documents are available from the office of county counsel; no further details were provided on underlying allegations in the public report-out.

Quotes (selected):
“The settlement agreement providing for payment to the plaintiffs of $1,500,000 by the county and $1,000,000 by the county's vendor, Proteus, was fully executed,” county counsel reported.

Provenance: Closed‑session report out SEG 1528–SEG 1561.