Davenport council approves big settlement with former assistant city attorney

The Davenport City Council on Wednesday approved paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in a settlement agreement with the former assistant city attorney.

Davenport will pay about $400,000 to Mallory Bagby.

It was a five-five vote among the aldermen, but Mayor Jason Gordon broke the tie in favor of the settlement.

Bagby accused some city employees of workplace harassment, specifically claiming they violated the Iowa Civil Rights Act and created a hostile work environment and intentionally inflicted emotional distress.

Former Mayor Mike Matson, former Alderman Tim Kelly, and former interim City Administrator Mallory Merritt were among several people named in Bagby's claims.

Council members who supported the settlement say it lets the city move forward. Opponents argue it's not the right decision.

"You need to stop this pattern of just giving away money, giving away taxpayer money, because that's what it feels like to us. It feels like everybody wanted a piece of the pie," said Cheryl Shagena, who spoke during a time for pubic comments.

"This decision is one that will have an impact on our city," said Alderman-At-Large Jazmin Newton. "Not just today, not just during my term, but well into the future. The city has made poor decisions in the recent past and caused the public to mistrust this government. Allowing this matter to proceed at this time would be one step in regaining that public trust and ensuring transparency."

Bagby stopped working for the city in July of 2024.

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