TOLEDO, Ohio — A Lucas County employee who is on paid administrative leave will be paid more than $81,000 as part of a separation agreement with county commissioners.
In a copy of the settlement and release agreement provided to 11 Investigates by the county, Tonia Saunders resigned as Director of Planning and Development, effective July 8.
Saunders was placed on administrative leave on June 10 but will continue to accrue vacation and sick leave, receive her health benefits and OPERS deductions and contributions until July 8.
The Board of Commissioners will pay Saunders a lump sum of $62,171.20, equivalent to six months of pay at $59.78 per hour. In addition, Saunders will receive a payout of all accrued but unused hours of vacation, which is approximately $9,777.62.
Saunders will also receive a lump sum of six months of Continuation COBRA from Aug. 1 through Jan. 31, 2025, which is approximately $9,857.82.
In return, Saunders agrees, "not to make disparaging statements regarding the Board, its members, employees or agents to any media outlet or on any social media outlet," according to the settlement and release agreement.
In signing the agreement, Sunders acknowledged she "is receiving benefits she would otherwise not be entitled to" and that "she has been advised of protections afforded under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act."
When asked for comment from the Board, Communications Director Sarah Elms told 11 Investigates, "The Commissioners' Office does not comment on personnel matters."
The reason for Saunders' resignation was not made available.
This is not the first time taxpayers have footed the bill for a hefty separation agreement involving a county employee.
In Dec. 2023, 11 Investigates reported that Lucas County Common Pleas Court Human Resources Director Emily Gerken was paid nearly $250,000 to resign in September of that year after approaching supervisors with a personnel complaint.
Multiple courthouse officials confirmed that Gerken approached Judges Michael Goulding and Ian English with a concern about a courthouse supervisor earlier in 2023. The complaint was not submitted in writing, but a court official said it was investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.
Neither the county nor Gerken commented to 11 investigates at that time regarding her separation agreement or the circumstances involved.
MORE FROM 11 INVESTIGATES