Soap Lake settles with ex-cop

$9,500 paid by city

SOAP LAKE — Soap Lake City Council agreed to pay a former police officer to keep him from working for the city and from filing further lawsuits.

Council made the decision with a 6-1 vote during the Wednesday night meeting.

Former Soap Lake police officer Marc Doney was fired from the department in December 2005, City Attorney Jim Whitaker said. The city approved to pay Doney $9,500 to sever ties and ensure he does not file another lawsuit against the city and to make sure he never seeks work with the police department again.

Doney filed a grievance seeking the review of his discharge, according to city documents. At one point he requested nearly $20,000, Whitaker said.

After working with the department for about two years he was fired due to insubordination, failure to meet department expectations and for violating oral and written instructions, he said.

Whitaker said Doney would allegedly use the patrol vehicle to travel outside the city limits to conduct traffic stops for minor offenses including expired tabs and pulling out of a lot too fast. Traveling outside the city limits for such matters violated department rules.

Doney is listed on the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Web site as a patrol deputy.

Councilmember Kandis Lair motioned for the approval of the settlement.

Councilmember Maynard Hagen seconded.

Councilmember Marina Romary voted against the settlement.