Off-Grid Founder Faces $32K Verdict | Santa Fe News

A jury just handed Michael Reynolds, founder of the off-grid Taos community, a $32,000 verdict — $12K in damages and $20K in punitive damages — for allegedly shirking road and common area upkeep. Reynolds is furious, calling the punitive award illegal and claiming he’s already spent over $300K defending himself over 11 years of legal battles. Despite forming a homeowners association, the jury found he retained too much control — with meeting minutes showing the board was essentially a “courtesy board” answerable to him. He plans to appeal, especially targeting the punitive damages, as he’s been fighting this experimental, off-grid lifestyle’s legal gray zones for decades. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/bec2ffc06bc8ad03