See related:
Anthony Avery's firing upheld on appeal
Lindsey files intent to sue after Avery termination
McKelvey resigns from NCRC board
McKelvey explains absence from Avery hearing
Commissioner recuses himself from Rec. Commission involvement
Covington to provide legal support for McKelvey in NCRC appeal
Banes removes McKelvey, Rhodes from NCRC board
Avery demands $750,000 after termination from recreation department
Johnston: 'We have no authority to make changes': County chairman has sole power of appointment for recreation board members
Banes considers removing Recreation Commission Board members
Covington council raises concerns over Avery’s termination
COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County reached a settlement agreement in the lawsuit following the termination of Anthony Avery, former recreation director.
The proposed agreement includes $500,000 to be paid to Avery, with $150,000 to be paid by the county's insurance, $175,000 to be paid by the county and $175,000 to be paid by the Newton County Recreation Commission.
The agreement is subject to approval by the Newton County Board of Commissioners.
“This resolution allows us to put this matter behind us and move forward,” Newton County Chairman Marcello Banes said. “We have a great team who together will do things to move Newton County forward.”
Avery was terminated by the NCRC Nov. 27, 2017. Avery was hired by the county in 1995 as the adult athletics coordinator for NCRC. He was later promoted to Assistant Recreation Director and then named Director of Recreation in 2013. He was covered under the county's civil service personnel policies.
Immediately after the termination, Avery hired Stephanie Lindsey as representation.
Lindsey, on Avery's behalf, demanded $750,000 for the wrongful termination.
Under the proposed settlement agreement, Avery is agreeing to drop all claims that he was not provided due process, the termination came out of retaliation or harassment and breach of contract among others.
The BOC has scheduled a special called meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, May 6 to discuss litigation in executive session. The board's next open session meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7.
