McCloud, CA – The McCloud Community Services District (MCSD) has reached a settlement in the ongoing lawsuit filed by board member Michael Rorke, bringing an end to a contentious legal battle that has strained the district’s finances for over a year.
The lawsuit, which centered on a Public Records Request, has cost the district a total of $53,051.77 in legal fees since July 2023, according to financial records obtained by this newspaper. These expenses covered a range of legal services, including demurrer preparations, court hearings, and extensive document drafting.
The financial burden of the lawsuit has been a point of concern for the McCloud community. The legal fees, paid from the district’s general fund, threatened to impact essential services such as the local fire department and library. In response to the mounting costs, the MCSD had previously considered raising monthly fees for residents by $15 per household.
The settlement, concludes a case that raised questions about governance and fiscal responsibility in small community districts. Details of the agreement have not been made public, and both parties have declined to comment when reached for statement.
The lawsuit’s resolution comes as a relief to many in the community who had expressed concerns about the unusual situation of a sitting board member pursuing legal action against the district he was elected to serve. Rorke’s term on the board runs from December 2020 to December 2024.
Local resident Shareen Strauss expressed cautious optimism about the settlement. “While we’re glad this is over, we’re still concerned about the impact on our community’s budget,” she said. “We hope the board can now refocus on serving McCloud’s needs.”
Community members are eager to learn whether the proposed fee increase will still be necessary and how the district plans to recover from the financial strain of the prolonged legal battle.
As McCloud moves forward, questions remain about the case, will it spark discussions about potential policy changes to address conflicts of interest and the responsibilities of elected officials. Residents and officials alike are looking forward to putting this chapter behind them and returning focus to the day-to-day operations of the McCloud Community Services District.
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What a fag0t
Definitely not the same McCloud I once knew. But it’s still good to come home. It just sucks that things like this happen a lot. (McCloud High School Class of 1990)
Why don’t you print the judgement, I have read it .
I have pages 1,2 & 4.. just acquired..
Is the new article going to be printed on social media in McCloud?
It is out, online and print. I do not have social media in McCloud.
https://www.siskiyou.news/2024/10/08/update-to-mccloud-csd-vs-rorke-court-decision/