Redevelopment Commission approves $17,337.50 in legal reimbursements, ratifies FY2025 disclosure and $276,243.78 in invoices

The Hancock County Redevelopment Commission approved several financial items at its July 9 meeting, including reimbursement of legal invoices, ratification of disclosure materials and the regular payment of invoices.

Miss Brooks presented legal invoices tied to economic-development projects and explained the calculation of hours billed at $250 per hour; she provided corrected subtotals and said the work was largely defensive legal work for several projects. A committee member moved to approve reimbursement of legal fees to the planning department in the amount of $17,337.50; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Separately, the commission ratified the annual continuing-disclosure information for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2025 after a motion to ratify was made and seconded. The commission also approved payment of invoices totaling $276,243.78; the motion to approve invoices was made, seconded and the vote carried.

During discussion, members noted that legal and planning budgets are limited (planning attorney budget cited as $80,000) and that some legal costs arise from defensive or litigation-related matters. The commission directed staff to coordinate required documentation for reimbursement coding and invoicing procedures.