San Diego, CA – The City of San Diego is facing a lawsuit following the termination of its former Chief Operating Officer, Eric Dargan. In a cost-cutting move described by Mayor Todd Gloria, Dargan’s position was eliminated to contribute to closing a $258 million budget shortfall. The decision, announced in February, also eradicated an annual salary of $375,000.
During a press statement on February 18, Mayor Gloria expressed gratitude towards Dargan for his contributions to the city, describing the decision as a budgetary necessity. However, this financial maneuver has led to legal complications, as Dargan and his legal representative, Michael Conger, have filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and racial discrimination.
According to the legal complaint, Dargan was dismissed without a valid reason, and the city reneged on a promised severance package estimated at around $120,000. Conger claims that if the city had honored the severance agreement contained in Dargan’s contract, the dismissal would have proceeded without dispute.
The lawsuit further accuses Mayor Gloria of discriminatory practices alleging that Dargan was enticed to leave his previous position in Houston, Texas under false pretenses, including promises made regarding severance terms. It also claims that Dargan was subjected to differential treatment though not to overt racial behaviors such as derogatory remarks or name-calling.
In response to these allegations, the city referenced statements from Gloria’s chief of staff, conveyed to media outlets, asserting that Dargan was terminated for cause – details of which would be elucidated in the city’s forthcoming legal responses. The city, maintaining its general policy on personnel matters, has refrained from extensive comments on the ongoing legal issue.
No prior complaints or performance issues regarding Dargan were reported before his termination, as noted by Conger, who highlighted that Dargan’s personal record remains unblemished according to his personnel file.
A city insider hinted that this legal battle might end up costing the city more in legal fees and potential settlements than it would have to simply honor the original severance package, unless the lawsuit is promptly dismissed – a scenario deemed unlikely by sources familiar with the matter.
This case underscores the complex interplay of fiscal austerity measures and employment law, as municipalities navigate significant budget deficits while adhering to contractual and legal obligations to their employees.
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