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NEWTON FALLS -- Former Newton Falls village manager Pam Priddy is suing the village and two of its officials over her removal from the position.
The complaint, filed in federal court, specifically names Councilwoman Julie Stimpert and Law Director Jeff Limbian. It claims breach of contract, tortious interference with a contract or business, civil conspiracy and retaliation in violation of the Family Medical Leave Act
Priddy is seeking damages of more than $25,000 per claim.
The lawsuit accuses council of backing out of a contract that would have increased her salary by $30,000 per year and given her six weeks of paid vacation time. Her salary was to have increased from $60,000 to $90,000 starting in January.
The contract was approved and signed in October, according to the complaint.
Per the contract, if Newton Falls terminated it at any point prior to October 19, 2027, and without triggering the cause exception, Priddy was contractually entitled to the balance of her unpaid salary under that 48-month term, meaning she was entitled to $360,000 in compensation, the lawsuit states.
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 village's law director in January.
Stimpert also in the legal filing questioned the legality of a meeting held Sept. 11, when council voted to put into first reading legislation regarding Priddy's contract. At the meeting, former members of council Tesa Spletzer, John Baryak and Gideon Fetterolf voted in favor.
Stimpert and Councilman Kevin Rufener left the meeting, claiming it was illegal and did not vote.
Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean O'Brien ruled the $30,000 salary increase for Priddy was invalid as was the meeting based on Stimpert's court action.
Priddy's complaint alleges that the day after the judge's ruling was filed on Jan. 24, a special council meeting was held Jan. 25 to remove Priddy from office.
On Jan. 24, Priddy applied for leave under the FMLA because of a serious medical 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 the leave and Limbian interfered in her access to it, the complaint states.
Limbian said Wednesday "ultimately the lawsuit will be deemed to have no merit."
He said the FMLA is not an issue since it does not apply in the situation. Limbian said Priddy only oversaw 35 employees in the village and to receive the FMLA the village would need to have 50 or more employees.
"As far as I am concerned the FMLA is not an issue," he said.
Stimpert said she had no comment on the matter and referred comments to her attorney Sarah Kovoor.