Zeiger opens up about Steven's Lawsuit

After several years of not commenting, Saratoga Mayor John Zeiger has broken his silence over the pending litigation with Randy Stevens.

Zeiger said the Stevens litigation has been turned over to their insurance agency.

LGLP, the town of Saratoga’s insurance agency, will ultimately make the decision on when, or if, a monetary settlement will take place.

“It’s up to the insurance agency at this point,” Zeiger said.

A monetary settlement could potentially cost the town around $250,000. Even if there is a settlement, Zeiger said it is important for the town to not just settle for the sake of ending the litigation.

“To take the attitude that ‘well the insurance is going to pay for it anyway’, is a poor attitude. The insurance might still write the check, but it’s going to be costing you and me as taxpayers. It’s not free money,” Zeiger said.

One of Stevens demands for a settlement is for the town to vacate the alley between his property and the conservation district’s property. Stevens also wants the town to install utility services on his properties. Zeiger said installing utility services on his property would cost the town approximately $500,000.

“If we were to do that, that sets a precedent for the town of Saratoga. So the next person that comes in with a contract and buys 10 lots, and there is no services or utilities, we are going to have to do it for all of them,” Zeiger said.

“I would be derelict of my duties as mayor to even entertain the thought of doing that,” Zeiger added.

Stevens said the utility installment on the property was part of a previous agreement between the two parties, and was a court order by Carbon County District Court Judge Wade Waldrip. Stevens did not have any additional comments concerning the case.

Zeiger would not comment on any other pending litigation matters, including the litigation with former town treasurer Lynda Healey.