Former county information services manager files claim, alleging ‘whistleblower’ retaliation

Former county information services manager George Johnson filed a claim Dec. 16 against San Juan County, alleging he was fired Aug. 23 in retaliation for reporting perceived irregularities in how equipment had been purchased by the Public Works Department. The county claims the decision to fire Johnson was made two weeks before he questioned the purchases, and that the decision was based on performance, reorganization and lack of funds.

December 23, 2010 8:23 pm

Former county information services manager George Johnson filed a claim Dec. 16 against San Juan County, alleging he was fired Aug. 23 in retaliation for reporting perceived irregularities in how equipment had been purchased by the Public Works Department.

The county claims the decision to fire Johnson was made two weeks before he questioned the purchases, and that the decision was based on performance, reorganization and lack of funds.

A full story will be posted soon.

Johnson seeks reinstatement, back pay, emotional harm damages, attorney’s fees, and costs. He was paid $7,208.86 a month, or $86,506.32 a year.

— EARLIER STORY: “Auditor’s husband loses county job; George Johnson’s information services manager position cut,” Sept. 7 SanJuanJournal.com