NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - Newton Falls' former city manager is suing the city in federal court for her removal from office last month.

The lawsuit specifically names Law Director Jeff Limbian and Councilwoman Julie Stimpert.

According to a complaint filed today, Priddy is suing the city for breach of contract, tortuous interference with a contract or business relationship, civil conspiracy and retaliation in violation of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Priddy is seeking compensatory and monetary damages to compensate for lost wages and benefits, contractual damages, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, emotional distress, and other consequential damages, in an amount over $25,000 per claim to be proven at trial.

She is also seeking an award of reasonable attorneys’ fees and non-taxable costs for Priddy’s claims as allowable under law.

In her complaint, Priddy accuses Newton Falls City Council of backing out of a contract that would have increased Priddy's salary by $30,000 a year with six weeks of paid vacation time. 

The contract was approved and signed in October of 2023, according to the complaint.

Per the contract, if Newton Falls terminated its contract with Priddy at any point before October 19, 2027, and without triggering the cause exception to the provision, Priddy was contractually entitled to the balance of her unpaid salary under that 48-month term - which means she was entitled to $360,000 in compensation.

Priddy's complaint accuses Stimpert, who filed a judgment entry questioning the validity of the contract, of colluding with Limbian, who was newly appointed as the city's law director.

It alleges the day after the entry was filed on January 24, a special meeting was held on January 25 to remove Priddy from office.

Before her removal from office, Priddy applied for leave under the FMLA, due to a serious medical health condition. Limbian denied her request as he felt she was not entitled to it as he read the law, according to the complaint.

Priddy claims she was eligible for this leave and Limbian interfered in her access to it.

As of reporting, the city has not responded to the complaint.

You can read the full complaint below:

 

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