PANAMA CITY BEACH — Former City Manager Tony O'Rourke has reached a $131,250 lawsuit settlement with the city, almost a year after he was fired following his lodging of a whistleblower complaint.
However, information provided by the city states "no city funds" were contributed, but the settlement was instead entirely paid by the Florida League of Cities, PCB's insurer.
"In settlement of the claims asserted by (O'Rourke), (Panama City Beach) agrees that it, or others on its behalf, shall pay (O'Rourke) a total sum of ... $131,250, plus the cost of mediation, as full and complete settlement and satisfaction of any and all claims that (O'Rourke) has or may have against (Panama City Beach), including but not limited to any claims for damages, attorney's fees and costs," the settlement agreement reads.
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O'Rourke, who was paid a salary of about $170,000, was abruptly fired during a City Council meeting in February 2021, about a year after he was hired.
His contract stated he could be terminated by the council at any time, with or without reason.
Although a discussion of his performance was not originally included in the meeting's agenda, Mayor Mark Sheldon said he believed it was time to clear the air on a handful of "small errors, inconsistencies and embellishments" he noticed during O'Rourke's employment.
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