Commissioners plan executive session on Cassody federal lawsuit

The Board of Garfield County Commissioners included a proposed executive session on its April 27 agenda under Title 25 O.S. § 396(B)(4) to consult confidentially with its attorney by phone about ongoing federal litigation: Thomas and Sherry Cassody, individually and as special administrators for the estate of Weston Cassody, v. Garfield County Sheriff, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, Case No. CIV-24-595-SLP.

The posted agenda states the Board will hold confidential communications because public disclosure would "seriously impair" the Board’s ability to process and defend the litigation. The agenda lists procedural items to vote to convene the executive session and to acknowledge the Board’s return to open session, and allows for "discussion and possible action" afterward.

The agenda does not provide details about the substance of the lawsuit, any staff recommendations, or any anticipated actions; the insertion of the executive session indicates the Board intends to consult with legal counsel in closed session consistent with the cited statutory authority.