BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Skagit County judge has granted an injunction temporarily halting an investigation by the City of Bellingham into the work conditions at the Municipal Court.
Judge Deborah Lev sued the mayor’s office last Friday, asserting the court is an independent branch of city government under her control.
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.
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 two weeks ago, citing intolerable working conditions and constant fear of retaliation if they assisted in the investigation.
The mayor’s office contends he is in charge of and responsible for all city departments.