A source in the office of Judge Roger L. Couch indicated to the Anderson Observer on Monday that the judge has rejected the Anderson County Council’s May motion for reconsideration in the case of the county’s loss on all counts concerning the lawsuit against former Anderson County Administrator Joey Preston.
While Judge Couch “is still working on a few minor matters concerning the case,” the source said the request by Anderson County Council was “past reconsideration.” When asked for clarification, the phrase “past reconsideration” was again applied to the question: “Has Judge Couch ruled on the Anderson County Council motion to reconsider in the Preston case?” The source in Couch’s office also said a timetable on a formal announcement and discussion of an other matters has not been set..
In May, Couch ruled against the county on all counts. The lawsuits sought to force Preston to return the $1.1 million severance package was awarded, as outlined in his contract, in November of 2008. Since that time the county has spent close to $3 million dollars on the case, even though a two-year investigation by a state grand jury found no evidence of illegal activity in the Preston case.
At the same meeting in which Anderson Council Council filed the motion for reconsideration, council also unanimously approved second motion by Councilman Tommy Dunn giving Anderson County Attorney Mike Pitts authority to meet with respective legal counsel to consider settlement issues with Preston.
It remains unclear if council is prepared to attempt a final settlement or seek additional legal action against Preston.