Jefferson County has reached a $55,000 settlement with its former interim ambulance director, ending a federal lawsuit involving claims of workplace discrimination and retaliation.
The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the settlement Monday following mediation held July 29 in Des Moines.
The lawsuit was filed by former interim ambulance director Judy Heisel. Her original six claims were reduced to three involving sex discrimination, an alleged violation of Iowa public policy and slander.
The county’s insurance carrier will pay most of the settlement. Jefferson County is responsible for an approximately $3,000 deductible.
Heisel will receive $2,500 in back wages and an additional just over $34,000. The remaining just over $18,000 will go to her attorneys.
The agreement releases Jefferson County and the other defendants from Heisel’s claims. All parties deny liability, and the settlement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing.
A separate request from former contract medical director Dr. Amanda Moreno for an additional $4,675 in legal expenses was tabled. Supervisors requested that Moreno provide an invoice detailing any compensation she believes she is still owed under her former contract.