Conroe - Montgomery Edition | December 2024

Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & LIZZY SPANGLER

Former Assistant City Manager Dave McCorquodale sues city claimed his “contract didn’t give [him] the legal protection he needed to touch issues like this.” McCorquodale claims he reported the fraud to the DA’s Public Integrity Section and told Palmer and the city’s attorney that he did so June 6. The background Timeline of events 2022

Dave McCorquodale, Montgomery’s former assistant city manager, filed a lawsuit against the city Nov. 25, according to a petition filed in Mont- gomery County’s 284th Judicial District Court. In his petition, McCorquodale alleges the city’s termination of him was retaliation for reporting allegations of fraudulent behavior by Montgomery Police Chief Anthony Solomon. Solomon was hired by the city in 2019, per prior reporting. What’s happening? In his petition, McCorquodale alleges he discovered Solomon trying to pass a fraudulent employment agreement as legitimate to receive more benefits and a higher salary. After discovering the alleged fraudulent behavior, McCorquodale claims he reported it to his boss, former City Administrator Gary Palmer, who recommended he report it to the Montgomery County district attorney’s Public Integrity Section. Per the petition, McCorquodale alleges that Palmer

May 24: Montgomery City Council votes to terminate contract with City Administrator Richard Tramm May 31: Council appoints McCorquodale as interim city administrator Dec. 13: Gary Palmer is named city administrator

In two separate 3-1 votes Nov. 18, Montgomery City Council voted to terminate the contract with Palmer and terminate McCorquodale effective immediately. All four council members were pres- ent and Casey Olson, Place 2 City Council member and mayor pro tem, voted against both items. Solomon was appointed as the interim city administrator in a 4-0 City Council vote Nov. 18. A closer look McCorquodale is requesting monetary relief of over $200,000 but no more than $1 million ; the recovery of his attorneys’ fees; and a jury trial, per the petition.

2024

June 6: McCorquodale informs Palmer and the city's attorney that he reported Solomon to the Montgomery County DA's Public Integrity Section Nov. 18: Council votes to terminate contract with Palmer, terminate McCorquodale; also votes to name Solomon interim city administrator Nov. 25: McCorquodale files lawsuit against the city Dec. 6: City is served with McCorquodale’s lawsuit SOURCES: CITY OF MONTGOMERY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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