Residents press council on Garza lawsuit; closed session authorizes appeal

Residents at the Parlier City Council meeting expressed anger and confusion over a 2019 lawsuit by a former employee, pressing the council for details about insurance, contract handling and who would pay a seven-figure judgment.

A resident identified in the record as Speaker 4 asked why the city "discontinued paying the premiums" in 2019 and who was responsible for ensuring someone attended required meetings; the speaker also asked who called to terminate Mr. Garza's employment and who would pay between $1.1 million and $1.8 million. The speaker urged the mayor to identify accountable parties and called for legal action against an individual identified as Costanzo for alleged negligence.

Other residents urged the council to pursue an appeal. Speaker 11, who said the chief was never fired but continued to work after a contract expired, asked the council to wait for the appeal and not rush to assign blame. Multiple commenters warned of the fiscal cost of litigation: one speaker estimated attorney fees and related costs could approach $2 million.

Council took the matter to closed session under Government Code provisions. When the council returned, the city reported a unanimous closed-session vote authorizing the city manager to move forward with post-trial motions and an appeal in the Garza matter and to bring back any agreements that require council review or signature. The report named the case: Garza v. City of Parlier, Superior Court case number 21 CEC G 2953. The council gave no additional fiscal detail in open session.

The record shows strong public interest and two competing positions in the audience: some urged immediate appeal and defense of city actions; others cautioned that further litigation will increase costs and recommended settling. Council members and staff told speakers that specific documents and legal questions should be directed to the city manager and legal counsel for follow-up.