Fire Commissioners Add to Daniels’ Severance Pay in an Attempt at a Settlement

Newly appointed was the only nay vote Monday night when the board voted 4-1 to offer former Fire Chief I. David Daniels a settlement that extended his severance pay from six months to nine months.

“The general sentiment of the Board was that we need to move on with the Daniels' situation and maintain the respect, integrity and dignity of those involved,” board president Tim Osgood wrote in an email to Patch Tuesday night. “Additionally, it’s always best if you settle early in a dispute and outside of the courtroom.”

Daniels has been on administrative leave since . The former , claiming he believed he was going to be fired or pushed out of his position because he is African American.

In the statement, filed with the EEOC on Sept. 9 and received by the fire district on Sept. 19, Daniels states, “I am employed as fire chief. The last two chiefs were treated more favorable than I am being treated. The previous two chiefs were white. I am African American. I believe that the fire district is planning to end my contract, or to force me to quit, due to my race in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.” 

On Aug. 31 the board approved an offer that included a six-month severance package plus an education stipend not to exceed $9,500. Osgood said Daniels was working on his doctorate in human resources management and the board felt strongly it should cover the remainder of this academic year. Daniels' current contract pays him about $160,000 in salary; the new offer adds about another $40,000 to that first offer.

Patch will post details about the proposed settlement as more information is gathered.