Former employees file lawsuit over pay allegations

Two former employees of the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission have sued the agency and former director Bill Steiner, claiming they were not paid for overtime.

According to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Rome, Kathy Barnett and Dustin Odom are asking for unpaid overtime going back three years, liquidated damages under the Fair Labor and Standards Act and attorneys’ fees.

In the lawsuit, Bennett said she was a fiscal assistant with the NWGRC whose duties included processing payroll and paperwork, workers compensation claims and distributing checks.

She claimed that even though there were weeks she worked more than 40 hours, she was directed by her supervisor to submit time sheets showing she only worked 40 hours.

Odom was a payable and receivables assistant, according to the lawsuit, and he also claims that he was told to submit time sheets showing he had only worked 40 hours a week even though he had worked more than 40 hours.

NWGRC Chairman Mike Babb said he had been advised the lawsuit was going to be filed, but he had not received it yet. When it is received, he said it will be given to NWGRC attorney Mike McRae.

Steiner stepped down in August after serving as its executive director since 2005. He was scheduled to retire in January.

NWGRC acts as a resource and grant conduit for state and federal programs in the 15 northwestern counties — Floyd, Chattooga, Bartow, Gordon, Polk, Walker, Catoosa, Dade, Paulding, Haralson, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer and Pickens.

Bill Steiner

Read this story online to see the lawsuit.