Commissioners Vote to Settle Another Lawsuit, Bringing Total Cost to County Close to 10 Million
The Hardeman County Commission voted to settle what was said to be the last part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) lawsuits during their meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The settlement agreement was for nine plaintiffs, who are currently employed by the Sheriffs Department. The lawsuits involved disputes over comp time and holiday/vacation pay. County Attorney Dale Conder presented the settlement offer to the commission. After some discussion, Commissioner Michion Gatlin made a motion to accept the offer. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Cory Buford. Commissioners voting in favor of the settlement were; Bell, Buford, DeBerry, Gatlin, Gilliam, Grantham, Jenkins, Kennamore, Lake, Miller, and Weems. Commissioners voting no to the settlement were; Hensley, Lanier, Sain, and Wright. Commissioner John Vickers was absent. The settlement agreement passed with an 11 to 4 vote.
It was said this settlement will cost the County almost $135,000 including attorney fees for the plaintiffs, and Social Security/Medicare on the payouts to the plaintiffs, but would cost the County even more if it went to trial.
The plaintiffs’ settlement amounts are:
Anderson – $489.60
Baker – $10,027.80
Duke – $9,534.72
Grantham – $2,496.96
Hunt – $ 10,567.60
Kelley – $15,956.95
Kennamore – $14,366.72
Long – $12,403.09
Perry – $13,938.32
Plaintiff’s attorney fees were listed as $39,406.00.
At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Kennamore asked if there was an estimate on how much this lawsuit has cost the county. The County’s financial director answered, “over the years, close to $10,000,000 (10 million dollars).
Before adjourning the meeting, Mayor Todd Pulse reminded everyone where the majority of the money goes.
“The only one that wins, apparently, in these lawsuits are lawyers. It’s a shame. I’ve said that time and time again. You think of the good that that money could have done for the people in this county, but yet it goes to these… lawyers.”
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