UCHRA Pursuing Settlement with Former Director

The UCHRA Executive Board voted Tuesday to create a severance package with former executive director Luke Collins.

UCHRA Interim Director Mark Farley said the board is looking to settle with Collins for no more than $27,500.

“The board approved Danny Rader, our attorney, working with Mr. Collins’ attorney to see if they can come up with some settlement,” Farley said.

Farley said pursuing a settlement is a wise choice for the sake of the agency.

“Sometimes there’s business decisions that are made that we fell like are imprudent to avoid lawsuits… that’s going to cost even more money,” Farley said. “While it’s sometimes hard to understand, the wise business decision is to settle at a much lower rate and settle all those claims.”

The board voted 12-7 in favor of pursuing a severance package. County Executive Randy Porter was among those who voted against a package.

Farley said those who voted against pursuing a settlement simply didn’t want to give Collins anymore payouts.

“Probably a majority of those 12 who voted simply were looking at things from a business standpoint,” Farley said. “[They] decided it was time we close that door to the past and move forward.”

The UCHRA is looking into whether a merger with the UCDD would alleviate any lawsuits brought forth against the organization.