DEMOREST – The Demorest City Council voted Tuesday night to approve a $20,000 settlement with Police Chief Robin Krockum following his April firing by City Manager Kim Simonds and subsequent rehiring by the city council May 5.
“The payment specified herein is based solely on [Krockum's] claims of alleged personal injuries, including [Krockum’s] claims of emotional distress, anxiety, humiliation, pain and suffering, embarrassment, mental anguish and severe emotional distress,” a copy of the settlement obtained Wednesday reads.
Under the settlement, Krockum will have no break in service for the purposes of retirement computation from April 16 to the effective date of the agreement.
“In addition, 115.92 hours’ worth of accrued paid time off shall be restored as of [Krockum’s] date of re-hire, May 5,” the settlement reads.
Additionally, the settlement stipulates that Mayor Rick Austin will “write a name-clearing letter within two weeks of its effective date, absolving [Krockum] of any and all wrongdoing and to submit said letter to the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.”
Krockum returned to work Monday, May 11, and was ceremonially sworn in by Austin at the beginning to Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Later in the meeting, the mayor and council entered a lengthy closed session to discuss personnel and litigation.
“We had a lengthy discussion regarding a number of issues that have occurred over the past three and a half weeks,” said Mayor Rick Austin. “What I can tell you is that the conversation was one that was frank and one that there was some sincerity involved. I think that we’re going to move forward as a city.”
Following closed session, the council voted unanimously to approve the settlement with Krockum in principle.
“We talked about the agreement and we talked about the subject matter of the agreement,” Austin said. “It was our suggestion and my suggestion that before I sign it that I would like an opportunity to be able to go through it with a fine-tooth comb. I’m appreciative of our attorney, I’m appreciative of the insurance attorney, and I’m appreciative of [Krockum attorney Tom] Kirkbride for their legal work. They’ve done a lot of work.”
Other provisions of the settlement include:
- The city agrees it will not retaliate against Krockum for engaging in statutorily protected conduct and/or threatening legal action against the city and/or its officials. That does not change Krockum’s status as an “at-will” employee of the city; and
- For the duration of his employment as chief of police with the city, Krockum will be permitted to speak with the city attorney on any matter related to the functions of his department related to law enforcement or personnel matters.
Austin said he anticipates ratifying the agreement quickly.
“What I’m most appreciative of is that the City of Demorest has Chief Krockum back at the helm,” Austin said. “He’s back at work. I expect this agreement to be taken care of in the next 24 to 48 hours, again just pending review. It’s been agreed in principle and we’re ready to move forward and again thankful that Chief Krockum is back at the helm.”
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/5/902727/demorest-reaches-settlement-with-police-chief-robin-krockum