Current:Home > StocksPublic health officer in Michigan keeps her job after lengthy legal fight over COVID rules -FutureFinance
Public health officer in Michigan keeps her job after lengthy legal fight over COVID rules
View
Date:2025-04-27 16:12:43
WEST OLIVE, Mich. (AP) — An embattled public health officer in Michigan will get to keep her job, after a lengthy legal fight with county commissioners over pandemic-era mask mandates concluded Tuesday with the board bowing to the will of a court-ordered arbitrator.
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted 11-0 Monday to retain Adeline Hambley as county health officer, part of a settlement to end her lawsuit against the board.
The commissioners first tried to fire Hambley in January 2023 after conflict over COVID-19 restrictions.
But when they were unable to, they offered her a $4 million settlement in return for her resignation, then rescinded the offer, saying it was only a tentative settlement agreement.
Hambley sued the commissioners over her “termination in violation of public policy.” The state’s appeals court ruled in October that Hambley could be fired only for “just cause.”
Instead, the matter would be decided by an arbitration panel consisting of three members: one chosen by Hambley, another by the county and a third by a mediator.
After more than 12 hours of mediation, the two sides agreed on a settlement in which Hambley would keep her job. It included a section stating that if the board tries to fire Hambley again before January 2025, the board would not have the power to do so.
“It was absolutely a priority,” said Sarah Howard, Hambley’s attorney. “There’s no predicting what’s going to happen in the future. ... My client has wanted nothing more than to stay and lead this department.”
“Today, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners came to a mutual agreement, subject to court approval, to end all litigation involving the health officer,” Board Chair Joe Moss posted on social media following the meeting. “All legal issues between the parties will be resolved, and Ms. Hambley will continue in her role as health officer, as previously decided by the Appeals Court.
Public health officers are responsible for setting local public health policy. Officials who usually worked behind the scenes managing immunizations and water quality inspections found themselves center stage during the COVID-19 pandemic, as elected officials and members of the public who were frustrated with lockdowns and safety restrictions turned public health workers into politicized punching bags.
veryGood! (8727)
Related
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Kate Beckinsale wears 'tummy troubles survivor' shirt after mysterious hospitalization
- North Carolina University system considers policy change that could cut diversity staff
- Sydney Sweeney responds to acting criticism from film producer Carol Baum: 'That’s shameful'
- Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
- Mike Johnson takes risk on separating Israel and Ukraine aid
- 'Sasquatch Sunset': Jesse Eisenberg is Bigfoot in possibly the strangest movie ever made
- Charges dropped against suspect in 2016 cold case slaying of Tulane graduate
- Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
- Uri Berliner, NPR editor who criticized the network of liberal bias, says he's resigning
Ranking
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Alabama lawmakers reject bill to require release of police body camera video
- Boston Rex Sox pitcher Tanner Houck throws 94-pitch shutout against Cleveland Guardians
- NBA bans Toronto Raptors' Jontay Porter after gambling investigation
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Stand Up for Eminem's Daughter Hailie Jade Partying on Bachelorette Trip to Florida Before Her Wedding
- What is hyaluronic acid? A dermatologist breaks it down.
- Jennifer Love Hewitt Debuts Her 3 Kids on Book Cover: All the Details
Recommendation
Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
Debbie Allen says Whoopi Goldberg's 'A Different World' episode saved lives during HIV/AIDS epidemic
Prince William Returns to Royal Duties Weeks After Kate Middleton’s Health Update
California woman falls 140 feet to her death while hiking on with husband, daughter in Sedona
Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
OJ Simpson has been cremated, estate attorney in Las Vegas says. No public memorial is planned
Sydney Sweeney responds to acting criticism from film producer Carol Baum: 'That’s shameful'
Attorney general won’t file criminal case against LA officer in 2021 shooting that killed teen