“My termination was politically motivated and I withdrew the appeal because I’ve decided to move on with my life,” Coey wrote.
The case essentially focused on whether the county considered Coey a classified or unclassified employee. As a classified employee, the county would have had a greater burden of proof to show there was grounds to terminate her position.
Jane Napier, an assistant Champaign County prosecutor, said Coey withdrew the appeal late last week. Now that the complaint has been withdrawn, it appears Coey will not be able to bring up the issue again.
“This is not something (Coey) can bring up at a later date,” Napier said.
Karen Bailey, Champaign County auditor, said she was glad the issue has been resolved. She also added she believes the complaint may have been filed for political reasons.
In the fall, Coey ran an unsuccessful campaign against Bailey in the Republican primary for the auditor’s position.
“I always suspected the original intent for the lawsuit was a political ploy when she was running in the primary,” Bailey said.
At one point in the dispute, a tentative settlement was reached between the parties involved in the case. However, the sides could not agree on the final details of the settlement, and the negotiations fell through.
Bailey said she was pleased the issue has been resolved.
“I’m certainly just thrilled and happy to have that issue behind us,” Bailey said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
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