The city of Sunnyside resolved a wrongful termination claim by paying former Administrative Services Director Jamison Horner $75,000 in early February. The settlement addresses claims stemming from her dismissal in August 2024.

Horner contended that her termination was wrongful, citing several factors in a claim for damages filed with the city.

According to Horner, the basis for her wrongful termination claim included the absence of documented performance concerns, her involvement in unionization efforts, and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

During her tenure as director, Horner’s responsibilities encompassed overseeing the finance, human resources, information technology, and municipal court departments for the city.

Horner stated, “I correctly accounted for revenue and expenses for Sunnyside, and never received any corrective or disciplinary action while employed by the city.”

Sunnyside’s Budget Shortfall

The city of Sunnyside faced a budget shortfall, leading to staffing and service reductions.This financial strain was attributed to delays in the sale of the city’s Monson property, valued at $4 million, which was intended to balance the 2024 budget.

Horner clarified that budget decisions were beyond her purview. She indicated that the strategy to balance the 2024 budget through the anticipated property sale was initiated by former City Manager Elizabeth Alba and afterward approved by the city council. Horner claims she repeatedly cautioned staff and council members about the potential financial repercussions if the property sale did not materialize.

The Sunnyside City Council terminated Alba in February 2024.Alba stated her termination didn’t spell out specific reasoning, and “the lack of description points to the possibility that the termination was unjust and lacked proper justification.” At the time, she said she did not plan to pursue legal action.

Alba explained that the monson funding was incorporated into the budget to avert a tax increase. She also noted that the budget received approval from the council and underwent public hearings.

City Manager Mike Gonzalez stated that the city has not yet secured a buyer for the Monson property, located at 2920 Outlook Road. The 146.7-acre property is listed for $4 million through Todd Sternfeld of NAI Tri-Cities. Gonzalez mentioned that an interested developer, munson Vedder Developing, did not meet the city council’s stipulations.

Details Surrounding Horner’s Termination

Mike gonzalez was appointed by the Sunnyside City Council on July 29.On August 26, he issued a news release announcing Horner’s termination, coinciding with the announcement of a $4 million deficit.

Horner’s claim asserted that she encountered difficulties in securing employment due to comments made by Gonzalez.

According to Horner, “Mr. Gonzalez told me that he was terminating me ‘without cause.’ Contrary to that,he told media sources and other people that I had been terminated for improper accounting and budgeting.”

Horner also stated that she spearheaded efforts to unionize administrative staff with the Teamsters union shortly after Alba’s dismissal. She believes that Gonzalez and the city council were displeased with the unionization initiative, which they were informed about on the same day gonzalez’s contract was finalized.

Gonzalez stated that the unionization effort of administrative staff is still being worked out legally with the Washington State Public Employment Relations commission.

Gonzalez clarified that Horner’s termination was without cause, emphasizing her status as an at-will employee.

Gonzalez remarked, “I wish Jamison the best. I’m glad we were able to work out an amicable settlement.”

He added that he never intended to disparage Horner.

The Washington cities Insurance Authority contributed $36,122 toward the $75,000 settlement on January 28, according to an invoice.

Gonzalez noted that the city’s share of the settlement, amounting to $38,878, closely resembled the severance initially offered to Horner in August. He asserted that the settlement proved to be a more cost-effective option for the city compared to pursuing litigation.

Horner initially sought $800,000 in damages. She stated that her lawyers believed she had a strong case to bring to court, but said she agreed to the settlement so she could move forward with her life.

As her termination from Sunnyside, Horner has been providing financial services to the city of Mabton under contract.