The City of Windsor has reached a confidential settlement in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit with its former top engineer, Christopher Nepszy, concluding a contentious legal dispute but shrouding the financial details in secrecy.
A Controversial Dismissal and Serious Allegations
Mayor Drew Dilkens terminated Chris Nepszy in November 2023, marking one of the first significant uses of Ontario's strong mayor powers. The dismissal was part of a corporate realignment. In his March 2024 statement of claim, Nepszy alleged a top-down culture of corruption at city hall. He specifically claimed he was instructed by a superior to keep the mayor happy at all costs.
Nepszy, who was hired as Windsor's commissioner of infrastructure services in September 2021, was seeking $1.55 million in damages, stating he suffered considerable mental distress during his employment.
The City's Defense and Confidential Resolution
The City of Windsor vehemently denied all allegations in its statement of defense, describing them as sensationalized, spurious, and deliberately inflammatory. City lawyers argued that Nepszy demonstrated unsatisfactory competence and repeatedly failed to meet the expectations of his role.
Mayor Dilkens confirmed the settlement on Friday but stated the terms are confidential. I can't talk about an individual's employment, Dilkens told the Windsor Star. He emphasized that Windsor city council was involved every step of the way, including in-camera discussions about Nepszy's employment prior to his dismissal and throughout the legal process.
Ongoing Legal Issues and Precedent
While the Nepszy case is closed, the City of Windsor faces another ongoing wrongful dismissal civil suit involving former city planner Thom Hunt. Hunt received his termination notice in January 2023, before the strong mayor powers were extended to Dilkens, but remained in his position for another 18 months.
The resolution of the Nepszy lawsuit leaves unanswered questions about the use of public funds and the transparency of settlements involving senior city officials dismissed under the controversial strong mayor authority.
