City Settles With Fired Department Head
Alternative content
City Settles With Fired Department Head
Almost four years ago, Augusta Commissioners voted to fire Engineering Director Teresa Smith, she sued, but the case will not be going to trial, the city has agreed to settle and to pay. WJBF News...
Almost four years ago, Augusta Commissioners voted to fire Engineering Director Teresa Smith, she sued, but the case will not be going to trial, the city has agreed to settle and to pay. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story.
Published: September 22, 2009
Updated: September 22, 2009
Augusta, GA—Augusta has agreed to settle up with a fired former department head.
Teresa Smith, the Director of Engineering, was let go by the city in December of 2005, after complaints from several developers.
Smith sued, saying she was fired because of her race and gender, but the case is not going to trial.
The city Law Department would not comment on the settlement, saying it was confidential, but 3 Commission sources confirm the city has agreed to pay Smith $125,000 to end her suit.
Commissioners believe, even with the payout, the city could have won the case had it gone to trial.
“Absolutely, but we could have gone on for a year or two plus a lot of legal fees and our attorneys suggested that we settle it and I agree,” said Commissioner Jimmy Smith.
Before the lawsuit, the Commission paid Smith 6-months month severance pay. At the time she was fired, she was making $93,000 a year.
Advertisement
Advertisement