City To Consider Law Firm To Fight Sexual Harassement Lawsuit

The Huron City Commission will consider the retention of a Sioux Falls law firm to deal with a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the City of Huron’s Solid Waste Department. A letter to Huron City Attorney Gerry Kaufman from Boyce, Greenfield, Pashby and Welk lawyer Lisa Marso is included in the Huron City Commission agenda packet for tonight’s meeting. In the letter Marso mentions not only the sexual harassment complaint but quoting the letter “the reports of general sexual harassment, harassment and bullying that have been made” end quote. Marso’s letter also states that an investigation is being conducted in “anticipation of litigation”. A number of items labeled “pending litigation” have been listed on the City Commission agenda’s under executive session in the previous weeks. However due to the closed door nature of such items in executive session, it’s not known for sure if the items are related, due to the City’s inability to comment on such matters. It’s also unknown if the termination of Rich Skorhiem and placing of Todd Larson on 30 days un-paid suspension on December 30th are related to the sexual harassment complaint. Both men have or had employment in the solid waste department Union Representative Matt Miller said following the December 30th executive session that the employees union would consider legal action against Huron for the actions taken against Skorheim and Larson. Marso’s services will cost the City of Huron 175 dollars per hour if approved by the City Commission.