BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The tug-of-war between the mayor and Bellingham’s Municipal Court continues amid allegations of a hostile work environment at the court.
The mayor’s office says Municipal Court staff contacted the city Human Resources Department about working conditions in early April.
A team from HR, the City Attorney and Mayor Seth Fleetwood decided an independent investigation was necessary.
Judge Debra Lev, Court Administrator Darlene Peterson and Jail Alternative and Diversion Manager Kathy Smith have been accused of mismanagement and have refused to cooperate with the investigation.
Court staff walked off the job on Thursday, May 27, citing intolerable working conditions and constant fear of retaliation if they assisted in the investigation.
Lev sued the mayor’s office Friday, May 28, asserting the court is an independent branch of city government under her control.
The mayor’s office contends he is in charge of and responsible for all city departments.