City attorney reports two settlements totaling $455,000; public asks for transparency

The Santa Rosa city attorney reported two settlements finalized in December that together total $455,000. Both were reported during the council meeting’s open session litigation update.

The attorney said the city paid $250,000 to former City Manager Marrakisha Smith in exchange for a full release of claims related to confidential employment matters; according to the attorney the payment was not a separation agreement and discussions began after Smith announced her resignation. The city also settled with former Director of Planning and Economic Development Claire Hartman for $205,000 to resolve claims brought in litigation. The city continues to deny liability in the Hartman case, the attorney said.

Those disclosures drew public scrutiny. Dwayne DeWitt told the council such payouts raise taxpayer concerns and urged officials to resist settling when possible. "You don't necessarily have to go to court all the time," DeWitt said. "Start saying no. Say no. You're not getting that money." Other public speakers also asked for clearer reporting about settlement processes and for staff to provide more backup documentation to the public packet for transparency.

City staff noted the litigation caseload remains active, with approximately 32 current matters and about a third with trial dates. The city attorney said four cases are on appeal after favorable trial‑court rulings and that smaller matters are often resolved at little or no cost.

The council did not take action on the settlements during open session; the disclosures were reports required by law following closed‑session finalization.

What happens next: Councilmembers and members of the public asked for clearer documentation and communication about settlement processes; no further action on these specific settlements was taken in open session.