Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Settlement Agreement in Ellen Kirchman v. Ramsey County (Court File No. 62-CV-25-1495)
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the settlement agreement with Ellen Kirchman in Ellen Kirchman v. Ramsey County (Court File No. 62-CV-25-1495), totaling $95,000.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the settlement agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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Ellen Kirchman filed a lawsuit against Ramsey County on March 4, 2025 alleging that she was wrongfully terminated from her employment in Ramsey County’s Enterprise Project Management Office on March 25, 2024. The lawsuit asserted discrimination based on disability and reprisal claims under the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the St. Paul Human Rights Ordinance. Plaintiff sought damages for, among other things, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, and attorney’s fees.
Plaintiff and Ramsey County reached a settlement. The Board of Commissioners approved that settlement in a closed session on December 2, 2025.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no racial equity impact associated with this request for board action.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community engagement associated with this request for board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The county is self-insured, and the settlement agreement will be paid out of the county’s tort liability fund.
Last Previous Action
On December 2, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in a closed meeting to receive advice from and provide direction to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
Attachments
1. Settlement Agreement