Colwell files suit against county over job

Humboldt County Emergency Management Director Pat Colwell has filed a civil lawsuit in Humboldt County District Court, naming the Humboldt County Emergency Management Commission collectively, and the Commission members who were in attendance at an Aug. 20 meeting, and voted not to reappoint him, individually. The suit seeks a writ of certiorari from the Humboldt County District Court for allegedly acting illegally in violation of the Iowa’s Veteran’s Preference Statute (Iowa Code Chapter 35c). The suit said the Commission failed to reappoint Colwell without notice, hearing or cause as required by the statute. It said that prior to the termination, Colwell was not provided with due notice or any statement of changes supporting the termination or any hearing process as required by law. The suit alleges that prior to the termination the Commission failed to allege or prove that Colwell engaged in any conduct constituting incompetency or misconduct as required by the Iowa Code. To read more about the matter and all news regarding county government, including all legal notices, subscribe to The Humboldt Independent and have it delivered to your door or your computer. Click on the link at the top of the page to find out how.