LANCASTER : County to Pay $1.4 Million to Builder

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday agreed to pay developer H. A. Lott Inc. $1.4 million to settle a disagreement over delays in the building of a Lancaster probation camp.

The Mira Loma Boys Camp was completed in May, 1990, six months behind schedule and 19 months after the county had hired Lott to perform the work for $27.7 million. Through lawsuits and counterclaims, Lott blamed the county for causing the delays, and the county accused Lott of fraud, faulty workmanship and breach of contract.

The parties agreed to submit the case to non-binding mediation, which resulted in a recommendation that the county pay Lott $1.4 million, but also left the firm liable for claims by subcontractors and suppliers.

In addition, the county’s $960,000 claim against Lott for defective workmanship on concrete floors and walls has not yet been resolved.