Hollister’s legal fees related to five years of litigation over
financial liability for an airport building fire in 2002 came to
$180,000
– while the city is set to receive $2.3 million from an
insurance company for the replacement estimated to cost $2.1
million.
HOLLISTER
Hollister’s legal fees related to six years of litigation over financial liability for an airport building fire in 2002 came to $180,000 – while the city is set to receive $2.3 million from an insurance company for the replacement estimated to cost $2.1 million.
Hollister City Council members Monday are set to consider shifting money from the settlement agreement to reimburse the funds used to pay for legal services. Bills for those outside attorneys started in 2003, according to a staff report for Monday’s meeting.
The building at the airport was destroyed in a 2002 fire. Monterey Insurance Co. and the city, until the settlement agreement reached last month, had disagreed over the amount due from the firm to the city for its replacement. The city prevailed in the courts twice, leading to the settlement that appears ample enough to cover the building and legal costs.
City officials also have requested bids for the building’s replacement. Before the November 2002 fire, that 18,000-square-foot building at 195 Astro Drive for the most part had been used as rental space. Many years ago, the Navy built the structure when it still used the airport as a base.
Monday’s meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at Hollister City Hall, 375 Fifth St.
