DATE: April 7, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Hollis Magill, Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Request to Defend Public Officer or Employee
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute "Agreement to Defend Public Officer or Employee, Reservation of Rights, and Non-Waiver" for the employee listed below:
Name of
Employee Current Position Title of Action
Steven Scott Scheller Community Mental Health Specialist II, Shannon Ramirez, et al.
Department of Behavioral Health v
County of Fresno et al.
REPORT
Description:
The Plaintiffs allege that the County employee exited the parking lot near Barton Avenue and Mono Street, Fresno CA, and struck their parked vehicle while they were inside their vehicle, which was the proximate cause of the plaintiffs' injuries. The employee was employed with the Department of Behavioral Health at the times relevant to the allegations in the lawsuit.
Fresno County Claim No.: 11457
Fresno County Superior Court: 25CECG05749
Plaintiffs: Shannon Ramirez and Karina Godinez
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No alternative action is available because Article 4 (commencing with section 825), Chapter 1, Part 2, Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code requires the County to indemnify its public employees who timely request such defense.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Funds to finance the cost of defense are contained in the Department's Org 8925, Risk Management Internal Services Fund. Defense costs are supported by annual budgetary contributions based on actuarial projections.
DISCUSSION:
The California Government Code requires the County to defend its officers and employees who are sued because of their actions while in the course and scope of employment, if they timely request such defense. The County may require officers and employees to agree that ...
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