Board approves settlement in Sexe lawsuit


Humboldt County Supervisor Erik Underberg (left) is also the chair of the Humboldt County 911 Service Board, made up of elected officials and representatives of entities using 911 dispatch in Humboldt County. Cherese Sexe (right) has been the Humboldt County 911 database manager for the past 25 years. In January 2021, she filed a civil suit against the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, the 911 Board and several county entities and individuals, claiming sexual discrimination and harassment.

By KENT THOMPSON
Following a 20-minute closed session with a Des Moines attorney, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Monday unanimously agreed to terms of settlement in a civil lawsuit involving 911 Database Manager Cherese Sexe and Humboldt County.
The meeting was held in closed session under Iowa Code 21.5 (1) of the open meetings law, “to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the county in such litigation.”
Meeting with the five-member board was Hugh J. Cain, attorney with the Des Moines law firm of Hopkins & Huebner.
District 3 Supervisor Rick Pedersen moved to approve the settlement as discussed in closed session with District 4 Supervisor Erik Underberg seconding. Supervisors Sandy Loney, Dave Lee and Chairman Bruce Reimers also voted in favor.
County Auditor Trish Erickson said the agreement must be signed by attorneys for both the plaintiff and defendant and then will be returned to the county. The Humboldt County 911 Service Board will also have to act on the matter. A meeting of their board has been set for Thursday, May 26, at 6 p.m., in the magistrate’s courtroom in the basement of the courthouse.
Terms of the settlement have not yet been released.

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