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Augusta commissioners approve multi-case settlements and approve employee severance
Summary
In an executive-session follow-up, the commission approved three settlements — workers' compensation claims and a federal case — and authorized a six-month lump-sum severance for an airport employee, with votes recorded as carried and several commissioners absent or voting present.
Augusta City commissioners approved settlement payments for three legal matters and authorized a six-month lump-sum severance for an airport employee following an executive session.
Attorney Plunkett presented motions to settle a workers' compensation claim by Keith Inman (SBWC claim no. 2020-240) for $425,000, a workers' compensation claim by Miguel Farina (claim no. 2023-53031) for $35,000, and a federal case (Duval Caldwell et al., case 1:25-cv-43) for $100,000. Each motion was moved and seconded and carried, with Commissioner Lewis recorded as voting "present" and some members absent.
Plunkett also asked the body to approve a lump-sum payment equal to six months' severance to Riza Bingham in connection with her retirement from Bushfield Airport effective Feb. 28, 2026; Plunkett said the payment is conditioned on Bingham signing a release of all claims against Augusta and the motion was approved after a second by Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle.
Why it matters: These settlements resolve outstanding litigation and claims that would otherwise remain on the city's potential liabilities, and the severance payment finalizes an employment separation tied to a public facility. The motions were presented as routine outcomes of the legal portion of the agenda and were acted on by the commission without extended public discussion.
What happened next: The chair closed the legal portion of the agenda and turned the meeting to the public services committee for the remainder of the day. Staff will record the settlements in the official minutes and the payments will be processed per administrative practice.
Sources: Motions and roll-call votes presented by Attorney Plunkett in open session following an executive session; motions moved by Commissioner Brandon Garrett and seconded as recorded in the meeting transcript.
