Judge Awards Another $2 Million to WRCOG As Beaumont's Legal Woes Continue

An Orange County Superior Court judge this week awarded $2,077,525 in fees to the Western Riverside Council of Governments related to its 2014 victory over the city of Beaumont in a $42 million lawsuit.

On Jan. 23, a judge tentatively ruled in favor of WRCOG’s motion for attorney’s fees, and on Monday, that ruling was upheld, according to Beaumont officials.

The $2 million-plus breaks down to $1,267,254.60 in legal fees and $810,270.60 in trial costs, according to the city of Beaumont, who says they will again appeal the judge’s order.

“The City of Beaumont will appeal that order which will be heard with the pending appeal on WRCOG’s judgment for $42 million,” Beaumont said in a news release issued Tuesday. “The City is confident that it will prevail in the appeal and that the judgment and fee order will be reversed.”

WRCOG, on the other hand, says they are “pleased” with the outcome.

“We are pleased that the Superior Court has now awarded WRCOG its attorney’s fees and costs for the case in the amount of over $2 million,” WRCOG’s Executive Director Rick Bishop told Patch via email. “With the initial judgment, interest on that judgment, and this ruling, this is now a $60 million issue for the City to contend with.”

RELATED ON PATCH:

• WRCOG Seeks $2 Million More From City of Beaumont
  
• Judge: Beaumont Engaged in Pattern of Deception; Must Pay $42 Million Plus Interest
• Beaumont’s $42 Million Mistake? Court Ruling May Mean Costly Repercussions
• Beaumont Appealing Judgement in WRCOG Case >> via city’s website