County approves separation agreement and release of claims; outside counsel present

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved a separation agreement and release of claims that staff said had been negotiated with advisement from the county's insurance counsel.

A county staff member introduced the agreement and said Christy Hastings of Pemberton Law was present to answer questions on behalf of MCIT counsel. Hastings explained the agreement "breaks down the payment between the portion that the county would be responsible for and the portion that the insurance company will pay" and said the agreement includes a prohibition on the former employee reapplying for county employment. She also stated that discussions held during the closed session remain confidential.

A commissioner moved to accept the separation agreement and release of claims; the board voted in favor. No contract dollar amounts or the former employee's name were stated during the public meeting. The board recorded the action as part of its formal personnel process and moved on to other items.