Lawsuit by Former Ottawa County Administrator Dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed former Ottawa County Administrator John Gibbs' lawsuit against the county and Board Chair Joe Moss, ruling that Gibbs did not have First Amendment protections in his role. Gibbs claimed he was terminated in retaliation for criticizing the county's legal team and alleged misconduct, including defamation by Moss. The judge found that Gibbs was acting within his job duties when he raised concerns, and thus his claims must be brought in state court, not federal. Gibbs was fired on February 29 after a series of allegations against him surfaced, which he denied as false. The lawsuit had sought damages and severance payments related to his employment agreement. Gibbs has the option to refile his claims in state court.