City racked up $100,000 in legal fees in Garza settlement [Yakima Herald-Republic (WA)]

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The city of Yakima spent $100,000 for legal costs leading up to a settlement with a police officer who alleged he was the victim of retaliation, but the $350,000 settlement was paid by the city's insurance company.

The city did not mention its own costs incurred in the case when it announced the settlement in a news release last week.

The city's insurance policy at the time required it to spend up to $100,000 on the case, including legal costs and any settlement, before the insurance coverage kicked in, city attorney Jeff Cutter said.

The city's share went entirely to legal costs, including a private firm contracted to handle the case for the city and any mediation expenses, Cutter said.

The insurance company made a business decision to settle the case without going to trial, city officials said.

Officer Rey Garza filed the lawsuit in 2008, alleging that Chief Sam Granato retaliated against him because he reported concerns about another officer's conduct. Garza was transferred back to patrol from an assignment at the Yakima Police Athletic League.

Granato, who left his position in January 2010, has regularly denied retaliating against any officers.