Harford County Council votes to settle claim in possible lawsuit regarding first responders

The Harford County Council voted last week to settle a claim to avoid a possible lawsuit regarding first responders. But when they discussed the issue, members did not offer specific details of the claim.

Council members would not comment after the vote and referred questions to County Attorney Jefferson Blomquist who didn’t respond to questions. Afterward, a spokesman said the county would not comment or provide any information on what occurred or how much money was being approved because it’s a subject of ongoing litigation.

Baltimore Sun Media has submitted a public information request regarding the issue, which had not been fulfilled as of Tuesday afternoon.

During the April 16 meeting, council members discussed whether the county should consider settling with the potential plaintiff.

“I believe it sets a bad precedent to spend taxpayer money simply to avoid the cost of litigation,” said Jessica Boyle-Tsottles, councilwoman of District E. “This could have a rippling effect on claims against the county going forward, and I believe this settlement is not in the best interest of taxpayers in the county.”

All council members said they supported how first responders handled the undisclosed incident after reviewing a video at the sheriff’s department.

But only some backed the settlement, which was approved in a 4-3 vote, with Boyle-Tsottles, Aaron Penman of District B and council President Patrick Vincenti, all Republicans, opposed.

“I think the first responders did exemplary work in the incident,” said James Reilly, a Republican councilman of District D. “This will secure them personally for any sum that they could be liable for. They have enough stress serving Harford residents.”

The vote was held after a public hearing on a bill that would change cannabis dispensary zoning guidelines, and allow a recreational dispensary to be located within 500 feet of a school rather than 1,000 feet. No distinction was made for the grade level of the school. The council will work with the county’s legal team to develop further amendments to the bill.

Currently, there are five cannabis dispensaries in the county.