City, former employee settle lawsuit

A settlement has been reached between a former Municipal Building secretary, the estate of former Fort Dodge Mayor Will Patterson and the city of Fort Dodge.

The former secretary, Laurie Lee, will receive $150,000 for personal injuries for her claims of assault and battery and for her attorney fees. Additionally, she will receive $9,000, which will be subject to taxes, for severance pay.

Lee filed a federal sexual harassment lawsuit against the late Patterson in February 2007 for allegedly pushing her on Oct. 4, 2005. According to her filed complaint, Lee said the city government ''knew or should have known'' about Patterson's conduct, but did nothing about it.

''I'm angry," Lee said Thursday. "Will Patterson caused all of this when he shoved me and pushed me and threatened me. No one should have to go to work in that kind of environment. It was like going to work in a battlefield every day.''

City officials were told of the decision Thursday.

''The city's insurance carrier decided to settle the case,'' said Maurice C. Breen, city attorney. ''As is standard in insurance settlements, no party admitted liability.''

The city's insurance company, Cornhusker Casualty/Berkshire Hathaway, will pay $150,000 and the city will pay $9,000, said Penny Clayton, city clerk and finance director.

Lee said she was angry the estate of Patterson didn't have to pay anything.

''Will Patterson came out of this smelling like a rose,'' she said. ''The city shouldn't have had to pay his bill.''

Patterson's wife, Judith, declined to comment

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa in Sioux City. The settlement was reached through a mediation held at the Webster County Courthouse on Wednesday.

Lee said she wanted a jury trial, but due to her recent development of lung cancer she decided to settle so her husband wouldn't have to worry.

Patterson died on Jan. 17 of an apparent heart attack while shoveling snow at his home, 1260 N. 23rd St. He was 72.

Contact Katie Williams at (515) 573-2141 or katie@messengernews.net