MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A former Jonesboro Fire Chief will meet the town in district court Thursday morning.
In October former Fire Chief, David Roberts, sued the town of Jonesboro saying he wasn't properly terminated and wanted back pay. This came after Mayor Leslie Thompson appointed a new chief in 2011. Mayor Thompson says this wasn't wrongful, and that Roberts knew well in advance that his term as was ending.
"I let him know even before the confirmation, that the council would consider replacing him with a new name," says Thompson.
The judge ruled in Roberts' favor, granting him $36,000 in back pay. Now, Roberts wants the town to produce financial records in court.
"What would be the logic in having to produce these records?," asks Thompson.
The town's attorney says Jonesboro should not have to present certain requested documents because town-owned property is exempt from seizure.
"we are requesting the documents, because I want to know where the money is that my client is owed," Bobby Culpepper, Roberts' attorney responded.
Meanwhile, people in Jonesboro aren't happy with their town back in court.
"They need to get out and stop some of these other things that's going on," says a Jonesboro woman, "instead of taking everything to court."
Another resident said, "It's too much time in court doing nonsense things, when there's bigger and better fish to fry in this town."
The mayor says no matter what is decided in court Thursday, he's already filed an appeal with the court in an effort to overturn the original ruling.
