The City has spent thousands of dollars in legal fees to defend itself against a sexual harassment and age discrimination lawsuit filed last year by its former Human Resources Manager Jane Miller.

Miller alleged that City Administrator Rich Guillen rewarded women who responded to his sexual advances, while ultimately eliminating her position, presumably because she didn't.

She accused Guillen of creating a hostile work environment, and at least one co-worker has spoken out to back her up.

But Mayor Sue McCloud and other city officials had long insisted that the lawsuit was without substance.

McCloud and the council were somber and mostly silent as they returned from a closed city council session Tuesday July 13 to announce they'd voted unanimously to settle the suit,which was set to go to trial in September.  The city's insurance carrier would pay Miller $600,000,  while the city would give her an additional four months' paid leave.

The mayor refused to talk about the settlement as did the city attorney; city officials did not comment on Guillen's employment future.