FORT COLLINS, Colo.—Larimer County has agreed to settle a lawsuit by a former jail employee who says she was fired in retaliation for reporting racial comments by other employees.
County commissioners voted 2-1 Wednesday to approve the tentative $200,000 settlement with Debbra Russell, a 27-year sheriff’s employee who was fired in 2008.
Commissioner Steve Johnson dissented, saying Sheriff Jim Alderden did nothing wrong when he fired Russell. Johnson told the Fort Collins Coloradoan that Russell was fired for allegedly lying during the investigation of her complaint.
The newspaper says Russell didn’t return a call seeking comment.
Russell’s lawsuit accused two other jail workers of making racial comments. Both resigned after the investigation of Russell’s complaint.
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Information from: Fort Collins Coloradoan,



