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YOUNGSTOWN -- A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by former Newton Falls village manager Pam Priddy against the village and two of its officials, Councilwoman Julie Stimpert and Law Director Jeff Limbian, over her removal from the position, court records show.
The complaint, filed in the federal courtroom of U.S. Ohio Northern District Court Judge Benita Y. Pearson, alleged breach of contract, tortious interference with a contract or business, civil conspiracy and retaliation in violation of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Priddy sought damages exceeding $25,000 per claim.
According to the lawsuit, village council backed out of a contract approved and signed in October 2023, which would have increased Priddy's salary from $60,000 to $90,000 starting in January and granted her six weeks of paid vacation. The contract stipulated that if Newton Falls terminated the agreement before Oct. 19, 2027, without cause, Priddy was entitled to the balance of her unpaid salary over the 48-month term, totaling $360,000.
Priddy's complaint accused Stimpert of colluding with Limbian, who was appointed law director in January, to challenge the contract's validity. Stimpert filed a judgment entry questioning the legality of a Sept. 11, 2024, council meeting, where former council members Tesa Spletzer, John Baryak and Gideon Fetterolf voted to advance legislation regarding Priddy's contract. 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 later ruled the $30,000 salary increase and the meeting itself were invalid based on Stimpert's court action.
The lawsuit further alleged that on Jan. 24, the day after O'Brien's ruling, Priddy applied for FMLA leave because of a serious medical condition. Limbian denied the request, stating Priddy was not entitled to it under his interpretation of the law.
Priddy claimed she was eligible and that Limbian interfered with her access to FMLA leave. The complaint noted that Priddy oversaw 35 employees, while FMLA eligibility requires a minimum of 50 employees. Limbian previously stated the FMLA issue was irrelevant, asserting the lawsuit lacked merit.