Clark County OKs $200,000 settlement with marshals
Clark County has approved a $200,000 settlement with court marshals in connection with a federal lawsuit that alleged unpaid overtime.
Under the terms of the agreement, 18 marshals who sued the county will get individual payments that range from $1,596 to $10,212. Another $87,403 goes to their legal fees. County officials approved the agreement Tuesday.
The marshals had sued, alleging they attended training academies for a certification from the Nevada Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training, and didn’t get paid for the additional time, which took place on evenings and weekends after their regular shifts. That training was provided by District Court to upgrade their certifications.
In the original lawsuit, 22 court marshals had sued, alleging they didn’t get overtime for their lunch breaks or the training. The settlement amount is calculated based upon the actual overtime compensation that would have been earned by the 18 affected plaintiffs, according to county records. The county didn’t admit any wrongdoing, under the settlement.
County staff had recommended the settlement because it avoids further exposure to damages, including additional attorney fees that would have been involved in the claims and narrows the remaining claims in the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs’ claims for unpaid overtime during their lunch hours remain unresolved — the lawsuit will proceed based only on that issue, county records show.
The lawsuit alleges that marshals are often required to eat their lunches at a duty station or in the judge’s chambers, and need to respond to citizen inquiries during their lunch period, maintaining radio contact. They work nine-hour shifts, including the lunch hour.
Contact reporter Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-405-9781. Follow him on Twitter @BenBotkin1.
