Former treasurer sues town for wrongful termination

Lynda Healey is seeking $189,833.42 in damages from the town of Saratoga in a wrongful termination lawsuit.

Healey, who was the treasurer for the town of Saratoga from 2006 to 2012, was fired on Oct. 18 2012, with insubordination as the grounds for termination.

Her lawsuit argues the town violated section 15-2-102(a) of the Wyoming Statutes Annotated, which states a town treasurer can be removed for “incompetency or neglect of duty.” Additionally, she says the town violated Section 2.08.020 of the Saratoga Municipal Code which also states “incompetency or neglect of duty,” as the only basis for termination.

The town of Saratoga was served a claim for damages on April 22, 2014.

Of the $189,833.42 claim for damages, Healey is seeking $73,233.42 in lost wages and $41,600 in worth of lost benefits. Healey is claiming she lost 26 months of wages and benefits from Nov. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2013.

In addition, Healey is filing for an additional $75,000 for damages in emotional stress.

Healey is being represented by Jonathan Schnal, of Saratoga.

On May 20, town of Saratoga attorney Tom Thompson asked the council to act on Healey’s claim. The council will read through the claim, and likely take action next meeting.

Saratoga Mayor John Zeiger said he would like to stay silent on the issue for now because it is still in litigation. He did say Healey’s claim with the labor board was found in favor of the town of Saratoga.