Brookville, In. — The legal costs for Franklin County taxpayers continue to increase as two former employees take legal action against county government.
Court documents say Kimberly Robinson started working for the Franklin County auditor’s office in February of 2008. In July of 2016, Shannon Meyer was hired to serve as the chief deputy auditor.
Robinson has accused elected county officials of instructing her to pay county employees for the same holiday twice, approve sick pay for employees not approved to receive it and hide potential ghost employee instances.
Meyer says the same officials asked her to disburse amounts over what was authorized in the salary ordinance and making improper adjustments to balance other accounts.
The lawsuit alleges Meyer and Robinson were fired after refusing to perform the questionable tasks.
There have been no claims made by the county of insubordination or poor work habits.
The legal action was taken after all administrative options were exhausted by the plaintiffs.
The lawsuit asks the county to reinstate the workers in the same jobs, pay and seniority. The plaintiffs are also asking for lost wages and benefits, damages, pre and post-judgment interest and reasonable attorney fees. Additionally, Meyer has asked for liquidated damages.
County officials have already paid for a $12,000 audit of the finances.
