Sylvia H. Rambo U.S. Courthouse
Just one month before a scheduled trial, a former public works director agreed to settle with Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams after accusing her of unfairly firing him.
On Tuesday, Harrisburg federal court judge Jennifer Wilson filed an order dismissing the civil rights case. According to the document, the parties have agreed to resolve the case by settlement.
The update comes after a Monday settlement conference.
In 2022, Nate Spriggs, a former public works director, sued Williams, saying that she fired him for refusing to promote her son Dion Dockens, among other allegations.
Nate Spriggs during a city press conference announcing him as the new public works director in 2021.
The trial process was set to begin April 20.
In a statement on Tuesday, Williams said that she was prepared to take the case to trial and defend her actions, but was advised by the city’s insurance carrier that settlement was the “most fiscally responsible” course of action.
“While I stood ready to present the facts in a courtroom, I respect the guidance provided to protect taxpayer resources,” Williams said. “At the end of the day, my responsibility is to the residents of Harrisburg, and that includes making prudent financial decisions.”
According to the judge’s order, the parties must act on the settlement within 60 days or either party may file a notice to reinstate the suit.
Williams’ attorney, West Chester-based David MacMain, declined to comment on the settlement at this time. Spriggs’s attorney Marc Weinstein could not immediately be reached.
The terms of the settlement were not made public.
“I am glad to have this matter behind us so we can remain focused on the work that
truly matters—strengthening our neighborhoods, supporting our residents, and
continuing the progress we have made across Harrisburg,” Williams said. “Our
administration will not be sidetracked by matters that take attention away from serving
the people of this city.”
TheBurg will update this story when more information is available.
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