Heron Lake Watershed District administrator files suit against board member
In documents filed this week in
Hartman has served on the HLWD board of managers since early 2012. He was appointed to the watershed board by the
In May, Hartman sent letters to
That accusation is untrue, according to Voit.
Source of contention
A personnel policy adopted by the HLWD on or about
A provision of the policy indicates the watershed district shall pay no more than
A second provision states, "Nothing contained herein shall be construed to constitute a contract, either expressed or implied, and the
The lawsuit against Hartman states the HLWD paid Voit's health insurance premiums as part of her employee benefits package, and the board of managers approved all payments of premiums for health insurance coverage.
"From 2007 through 2012, due to the increasing cost of health insurance, the annual premium for (Voit's) health insurance exceeded
During that time, HLWD managers authorized the full payment of Voit's health insurance premiums, having full authority to take that action, the document continues. It also states the premiums were not paid to Voit, but rather to her health insurance provider. Each of those payments was made from the HLWD checking account and required two signatures.
Hartman began investigating the HLWD's payment of employee health insurance premiums in 2012 after a
By
Seventeen months later, in
The allegations led to a search warrant and search of the HLWD office in
No further action has been taken by the
Defamation claims
Voit's claims of defamation, emotional distress and abuse of power are based on what Hartman has done to spread inaccurate information about her and the money paid for her insurance premiums.
The lawsuit identifies Hartman's letter to the
"(Hartman) knew, or reasonably should have known, that the letters (he) submitted to the
The Jackson County Pilot published a story based on Hartman's allegations that made no reference to HLWD treasurer's reports and board minutes contradicting Hartman's claims of misuse of funds. The story was reprinted in the Lakefield Standard,
The lawsuit states Hartman has made other claims -- in addition to those relating to insurance premiums -- including allegations Voit didn't properly account for her time.
As a result, Voit filed the suit stating the letters, articles and statements of Hartman are defamatory, exposing Voit to hatred, shame, contempt, ridicule, disgrace and obloquy. Further, the suit alleges Hartman's conduct is "extreme and outrageous in that it is atrocious, exceeds the bounds of decency and is utterly intolerable in a civilized community."
"(The) Plaintiff (Voit) has suffered severe emotional distress as a result of (Hartman's) conduct including inability to focus on job duties, strained relations with board members, anxiety before opening mail, fear and anxiety in going to the HLWD office, and upset, anxiety and fear of further accusations and harassment by (Hartman)."
Hartman is summoned to reply to the suit within 20 days and, if not, will lose the case.
Voit seeks judgment against Hartman in excess of
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