HomeMy WebLinkAboutSETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE BETWEEN CATERPILLAR FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP AND AUGUSTA GASETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE
This document sets forth the terms and conditions of the Agreement and General Release
(hereinafter "Agreement ") by and between Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation,
(hereinafter "Caterpillar" or "the Releasor ") and Augusta, Georgia, (referred herein as "Augusta,
Georgia" or "Releasee "). The term "Releasee" as used herein shall be defined as Augusta,
Georgia, and all current and former commissioners, employees, servants, agents, officials,
insurers, and attorneys, in their official and individual capacities, together with their
predecessors, successors and assigns, both jointly and severally. In consideration of the mutual
covenants and agreements set forth below, the parties agree as follows:
RECITALS
On or about December 2003 Augusta, Georgia entered into a five -year long term (Lease Number
0274642) with Caterpillar for heavy duty equipment Serial Number 6YZ01537 and Serial
Number 6YZ01538 (hereinafter "the Lease "). Caterpillar contends that the Lease required
Augusta, Georgia to be responsible for the payment of any and all taxes associated with the lease
of the heavy duty equipment.
Caterpillar paid the ad valorem taxes related to the Lease for certain years that were covered by
the five year term. There is a discrepancy in the total amount of ad valorem tax paid by Augusta
and the reimbursement amount owed to Caterpillar. On or about December 5, 2008 Augusta,
Georgia bought out the Lease to purchase the heavy duty equipment covered by the Lease.
Augusta, Georgia, denies and continues to deny any liability to Releasor for claims arising out of
or related to this request for reimbursement of payment of ad valorem taxes related to the Lease
and desire to purchase their peace and to avoid the problem and expense of further litigation.
Releasor enters into this Release in order to provide for certain payments in full, final and
complete settlement, satisfaction and discharge of any and all past, present or future claims
which are or which might have been the subject of the Claim upon the terms and conditions set
forth herein. Releasor desires to remise, release, acquit and forever discharge Augusta, Georgia,
their respective past, present and future employees, partners, officers, directors, shareholders,
principals, parents, direct or indirect subsidiaries and subsidiaries thereof, affiliates, divisions,
agents, representatives, predecessors, successors, insurers, attorneys and assigns (collectively
"Releasees.)"
NOW THEREFORE, Releasor agrees as follows:
1. RELEASE BY RELEASOR. In consideration of the payment of Nine Thousand, Eight
Hundred, and Twenty -Three Dollars and Nine Cents ($9,823.09) (the "Payment "), Releasor has
agreed to settle all claims against Augusta, Georgia related to the reimbursement of payment of
ad valorem taxes pursuant to Lease Number 0274642 for heavy duty equipment Serial Number
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6YZ01537 and Serial Number 6YZ01538. Releasor does hereby fully, finally, and completely
remise, release, acquit and forever discharge the Releasees of and from any and all past, present
or future claims, demands, obligations, lawsuits, actions, causes of action on account of the
Lease regardless of the theory of damages, which Releasor ever had, now has, or which may
hereinafter accrue or otherwise be acquired on account of, or in any way growing out of, related
to, or arising from, in any manner or fashion, Lease Number 0274642. This release on the part of
Releasor shall be a fully binding and complete settlement between Releasor and Releasees.
In addition, it is specifically understood and agreed that the Payment is intended to compensate
the Releasor for pecuniary damages, late fees, and other elements of general damage and
economic that are uncertain in amount and that Releasor specifically agrees that in consideration
of the Payment, Releasor releases any and all claims that it ever had, now has or may have for all
items or damages, whether general or specific or punitive or exemplary, based upon, resulting
from, arising out of, relating to, or connected directly or indirectly to the Lease.
2. SETTLEMENT NOT AN ADMISSION OF LIABILITY. Releasor agrees that this Release
is the compromise of doubtful and disputed claims and that the Payment made is not to be
construed as an admission of liability, negligence, willful and wanton conduct, or fault of any
kind whatsoever by Releasees, nor the validity of any claim to damages, but is to be construed as
a compromise and settlement of all issues for purposes of avoiding controversy, litigation and
expense. Releasor further agrees that all claims or allegations of fault, liability, negligence, and
legal responsibility have been and are denied by Releasees.
3. INDEMNIFICATION BY RELEASOR. Releasor, in consideration of the promises set forth
herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, hereby agrees to defend,
indemnify and hold harmless Releasees against any and all claims, demands, and causes of
action, including, but not limited to claims for contribution and indemnity, based upon
allegations of negligence, strict liability or any other allegation of fault by Releasees that are
asserted by any person or entity that the Releasor may make a claim against on account of, based
upon, relating to or arising out of the reimbursement of payment of ad valorem taxes pursuant to
Lease Number 0274642.
4. ATTORNEY'S FEES AND COURT COSTS. As between Releasor and Releasees, each
party shall bear its own attorneys fees and expenses and court costs incurred in connection with
the lawsuit, this Release, the matters and documents referred to herein, the entry of a final
judgment and all related matters.
5. RELEASOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. In return for the foregoing
consideration, the Releasor hereby warrants and represents that it is the sole owner of any claims,
rights, counts, causes of action, obligations and demands released by the Releasor pursuant to
this Release and which are in fact, released by the Releasor pursuant to this Release and that no
other persons or entities have any interest in any claims, rights, counts, causes of action,
obligations or demands which the Releasor releases pursuant to this Release and further covenant
that he has not assigned any claims they may have against the Releasees to any person or entity.
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6. EXECUTION. Releasor represents and warrants that the person executing this Agreement is
duly authorized to do so, that this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation and that
it is authorized to act on behalf of all persons or entities described in this Release's definition of
Releasor concerning all matters addressed in this Agreement.
7. SUCCESSORS. This Release shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and
their respective successors and assigns.
8. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. Releasor hereby agrees and represents that no promise or
agreement not herein expressed has been made to him, and that this Release contains the entire
understanding of the Releasor regarding the matters contained herein and that the terms of this
Release are contractual and not merely a recital.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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IN AGREEMENT HERETO, the Releasor and the below representative of Augusta, Georgia
set their hand and seal.
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
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C lerpillar Financial Services Corporation
Augusta, Georgia
Page 4 of 4
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David S. Copenhaver, Mayor
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