Douglas County Commissioner sues for taxpayers to reimburse her legal fees

Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas has recently filed a lawsuit against her fellow commissioners, Abe Laydon and George Teal, seeking to recover the attorney fees she incurred during her defense against allegations of creating a hostile work environment and wrongfully distributing a government document.

However, Thomas's actions have raised concerns about the cost of the legal proceedings.

Thomas claims that Laydon and Teal directed legal action against her using county-funded lawyers while forcing her to personally shoulder her own legal expenses. She had previously requested Laydon and Teal to personally reimburse the taxpayers for related legal expenses, but her requests were rejected.

The lawsuit filed by Thomas names her fellow commissioners and focuses on their allegations of malfeasance and the subsequent investigation launched by Laydon and Teal.

Thomas argues that the cost of the legal back and forth is a burden on taxpayers, citing that in just three months, the county has been invoiced for $26,480.16 to avoid paying her $5,800 in attorney fees.

In response to Thomas's criticism of the cost, Laydon and Teal issued a joint statement, accusing Thomas of reckless behavior and bad judgment. They argue that it is Thomas's actions that have incurred these costs to taxpayers and express disappointment that she is not focusing on serving the people in her final months in office.

READ MORE:

• COMMISSIONER CENSURED FOR BULLYING AND INTIMIDATION WON’T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

• DOUGLAS COUNTY COMMISSIONER SUES HER SECOND GOVERNMENT EMPLOYER- CLAIMS TO STILL BE A VICTIM

• COMMISSIONER LORA THOMAS HINDERS PROGRESS TOWARDS COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLAN IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

• ACLU SETTLES WITH DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS OVER ARREST OF STUDENT WITH AUTISM

The investigation of Thomas by outside legal counsel last year cost approximately $24,000, though it was previously reported as $17,000. Thomas claims that she offered a compromise on two occasions, stating that if Laydon and Teal personally reimbursed the taxpayers for the $24,000 spent on the investigation, she would waive her right to reimbursement for her legal fees.

However, Laydon and Teal refused her compromise and reimbursement requests, leading Thomas’ lawsuit.