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County seeks to settle suit on bonds Edgefielddaily.com web posted May 3, 2005 The Edgefield County Council is trying to reach an agreement over the lawsuit brought by Edgefield County resident Roy Blackwell over the vote to support $200,000 in general obligation bonds for the planned theater project by developer Bettis Rainsford. Prior to the pretrial motions summary held today County Attorney John F Byrd approached Mr. Blackwell and asked if a deal could be worked out, according to Mr. Blackwell. Mr. Blackwell said the agreement being considered was that he would consider a settlement to recoup his legal expenses so far or a court appointed referee to hear the matter. The case was referred on that basis. Mr. Blackwell stated this in no way deters his quest to force an admission on the part of the county, “What they did was wrong, it was outside the rule of law. They will have to admit that in any regard,” he said. So far, Blackwell said, the county is willing to pay all filing fees and legal fees to a certain extent. “We will make an offer and see what they want to do with it,” Blackwell said. After that he said the case would either be settled or resubmitted to the 11th Circuit Court roster to be heard before Judge Westbrook. “We feel our feet are on firm legal ground,” he said. “We are not the ones wanting to make the deal, we feel certain when the evidence is presented it is a cut and dry case,” Blackwell said, adding, “We feel Judge Westbrook is a fair and honest judge, if a deal can’t be reached, we’d rather send it back to him for adjudication.” Edgefield County Attorney John F. Byrd contends the council vote was that of a resolution of support and did not infer funding. This differs from the reports from several local media who claim the Edgefield County Council was “in” as an investor in the project and had promised the issuing of the bonds. An issue the county would rather not have to justify. “They know where they are at in this,” Mr. Blackwell stated, “and they know we know where they are at in this.” According to Mr. Blackwell, “they are just trying to save face.” County Attorney John F. Byrd contends it is a dead issue since the grants have been revoked and council will never address the issue. “If you get caught in a failed bank robbery, saying you won’t do it again isn’t going to get you out of a trip to jail,” Blackwell said. “It’s still against the law.” Citizen moves to dismiss injunction, force suit to be heard on bond issues 11th Circuit Court begins with volatile and connected cases Town of Edgefield settles lawsuit over theater property Return to Main Page
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