(Davenport, IA) -- An Iowa watchdog group says the city of Davenport broke the law when they made a settlement deal with outgoing Administrator Corri Spiegel in October, but didn't make it public until after the election.
Randy Evans, Executive Director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council says the city could face legal action for what he says is a violation of Iowa state law.
"The law states...that for a final decision to be made, it needs to be available for public inspection," Evans said. "The handling of this controversy has kept the voters in the dark, negated their ability to express their views when they cast their ballots."
The city agreed to pay a $1.6 million settlement to Spiegel over accusations of abuse at the hands of elected city officials rather than face a trial. The deal was struck in October, but not released until after the November 7th election.
City Council approved the agreement by a 6-1 vote in open session on Wednesday.
Photo Credit: WQAD News 8