The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the city of Hutto Tuesday in a racial discrimination case filed against it by former city manager Odis Jones.
The Court of Appeals reversed an $8 million judgment against the city after it found no evidence linking Hutto City Council's actions committing racial discrimination against Jones, the former city manager. Jones served as Hutto's city manager from 2016-19 before he received a $412,000 severance package as part of his dismissal.
In April 2021, Jones was terminated from the same position in Missouri City. He also served as the city of Cincinnati's executive director of economic and community development; city administrator in Obetz, Ohio; and Detroit's CEO of public lighting authority.
“We’re grateful for the court’s thoughtful review and for upholding the facts,” said Hutto city manager James Earp. “This decision provides closure and allows us to move forward, continuing to serve the Hutto community with transparency and trust.”
The court reversed the trial court’s finding that the City Council disparaged Jones, ruling there was no evidence of any disparaging action. Hutto successfully defended against that claim.
More on this story can be seen in this weekend's edition.
