The city of Bardstown has agreed to pay a city council member $40,000 to keep her from suing the city.
New Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton said settling with the councilwoman, Kecia Copeland, saved the taxpayers money. He said fighting a lawsuit could have cost the city more money and time in the long run, according to media reports.
The settlement stems from unlawful conduct against Copeland, 47, by former officials and employees of the city.
Earlier this year, council members voted to remove Mayor John Royalty after they found that he abused his power by coercing city workers to lie to gain access to Copeland’s personal e-mails.
Copeland’s attorney wrote a letter to Heaton laying out the claims he was ready to make in court against the city, including defamation of character, invasion of privacy, civil conspiracy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
(Photo courtesy of the Nelson Gazette)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
