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A resolution authorizing the Metropolitan Department of Law to compromise and settle the claim of George Brooks against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, in the amount of $100,000, of which $25.196.31 will be paid by the Waste Services Department and $74,803.69 will be paid from the Judgments and Losses fund.
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WHEREAS, George Brooks filed a charge with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Charge No. 494-2024-04498) against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (“Metropolitan Government”) alleging discrimination and retaliation; and,
WHEREAS, George Brooks filed a subsequent appeal of his termination from the Department of Waste Services with the Civil Service Commission (Case No. 43.02-252463J); and,
WHEREAS, after investigation, the Metropolitan Department of Law believes that the settlement listed in Section 1 is fair and reasonable and in the best interest of the Metropolitan Government and recommends that any and all claims or causes of action brought or that could have been brought by George Brooks related to the events detailed above be compromised and settled for $100,000.00, of which $25,196.31 will be paid by the Waste Services Department and $74,803.69 will be paid from the Judgments and Losses fund.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Department of Law is authorized to compromise and settle the claims of George Brooks for the sum of $100,000.00, of which $25,196.31 will be paid by the Waste Services Department and $74,803.69 will be paid from the Judgments and Losses fund.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
George Brooks began working for the Metropolitan Department of Water and Sewerage Services (“MWS”) in May 2020. He filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claim against the Metropolitan Government in February 2025. Mr. Brooks alleged that he was disciplined based on racial discrimination so often that it created a hostile work environment. Further, he claimed that he was denied several promotions based on discrimination. He later alleged that Nashville Department of Waste Services (“Waste Services”) was split from MWS to prevent him from receiving overtime.
Mr. Brooks became a member of Waste Services when the department was created in July 2025. In the same month, he was written up three times for civil service rules violations, including destruction of Metro property, conduct unbecoming, and being absent without leave. A disciplinary hearing was held, and he was terminated effective August 5, 2025. Mr. Brooks appealed his termination.
During this period, Waste Services transitioned to become a standalone department. This transition required employees in human resources roles to take on extra responsibilities to create policies and procedures. Due in part to this departmental transition, there is limited documentation needed to defend against Mr. Brooks’ appeal of his termination. Waste Services denies any discrimination occurred and contends that Mr. Brooks violated several Civil Service Rules.
The parties have participated in settlement negotiations and have agreed upon the settlement amount of $100,000, subject to approval from the Metropolitan Council. Water Services would pay $25,196.31, which would be considered backpay from August 5, 2025, to January 2, 2026. The remaining $74,803.69 would be paid from the Judgments and Losses fund. The Department of Law recommends settlement of Mr. Brooks’ claims for $100,000.
Fiscal Note: This settlement would be paid from the Judgment and Losses Fund in the amount $74,803.69, and $25,196.31 from the Department of Water and Sewerage Services. This settlement would be the 4th payment, after approval by the Metropolitan Council, from the Judgment and Losses Fund in FY26 for a cumulative total of $354,804. The fund balance would be $18,423,804 after these payments.