Explanation
Background:
This Ordinance is submitted to settle any and all claims related to the lawsuit known as Samuel McKenzie v. City of Columbus, pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 2:23-cv-2999, in the amount of Forty Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($40,000.00). Mr. McKenzie’s claims relate to his employment with the City and claims the City discriminated against him based on his race and retaliated against him for engaging in protected activity. Mr. McKenzie filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio alleging the City violated state and federal anti-discrimination and retaliation laws and this settlement is to avoid further litigation of such claims. ($40,000.00)
Fiscal Impact:
Funds were not specifically budgeted for this settlement; however, sufficient monies are available within the Department of Finance’s Citywide Account for this purpose.
Emergency action is requested for this ordinance to be effective immediately in order for the parties to effectuate the settlement of Mr. McKenzie’s claims against the City, which is in the best interest of the City, and to pay the agreed to sum without delay thereby mitigating any potential claim of further liability.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Attorney to settle the lawsuit known as Samuel McKenzie v. City of Columbus, Case No. 2:23-cv-2999, pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio; to authorize the expenditure of the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($40,000.00) in settlement of the lawsuit; and to declare an emergency. ($40,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Samuel McKenzie is employed by the City of Columbus in the Department of Public Service; and
WHEREAS, Mr. McKenzie filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, Case No. 2:23-cv-2999 alleging the City discriminated against him due to his race by not promoti...
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